After the inauguration of Donald Trump, Xi and Putin held a video call

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a video call hours after Donald Trump was sworn in on Monday, vowing to take bilateral ties to the next level, state media on both sides said.

Putin described Xi as a “dear friend” and said Russia and China maintain their relationship based on friendship, mutual trust and mutual support despite external pressure.

Xi called on Putin to “maintain deep strategic coordination, safeguard mutual support and legitimate interests.”

Trump on Tuesday Threat of tariffs on BeijingCalling it “abusive”, he warned that “big problems” will come if there is no agreement in Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters after the call, Foreign Affairs Adviser Yuriy Ushakov said any Ukrainian settlement “must respect Russia’s interests,” Putin told Xi.

Beijing was accused. Building Moscow’s arsenal Providing critical components to the conflict in Ukraine.

In the year Trade between the two countries is set to reach a record $240bn (£191bn) in 2023, up 64% from 2021 – before Russia invaded Ukraine.

If Trump’s team shows interest, Putin and Xi have confirmed that they are ready to build relations with the United States in a mutually beneficial and respectful manner, Ushakov said.

However, he said the call was “in no way related to Trump’s inauguration.”

The call lasted an hour and a half and Putin and Xi discussed the situation in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, Ushakov said.

Chinese state media also said Xi was prepared to work with Putin to respond to “external instability,” without giving specifics.

Xi spoke with Trump on the phone last week, and the US president had a “very good” conversation for both countries. They said they talked about business, fentanyl and Tik Tok, among other things.

Putin has yet to speak to Trump, but congratulated him on state television hours before his inauguration.