On February 4, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-level video conference, hailing their deepening alliance as a critical pillar of international security. During the broadcast, Putin characterized the Moscow-Beijing relationship as a “global stabilising force” that serves to counter mounting “turbulence” and Western-led geopolitical pressure.
Key Highlights of the Strategic Dialogue
The talks underscored a unified front as both leaders addressed the shifting power dynamics in Eurasia and the Middle East.
- Countering Western Influence: Putin emphasized that the “foreign policy alliance” between the two nations is essential for a “multipolar world order,” directly challenging the dominance of Western security architectures.
- Economic Resilience: Despite ongoing sanctions, Putin noted that trade between Russia and China remains robust, with Moscow successfully redirecting energy exports toward Asian markets throughout 2025.
- Regional Security: The virtual meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Both leaders discussed the need for “strategic coordination” to stabilize regional balances, particularly as friction continues between Washington and Tehran.
Bilateral Cooperation in 2026
The leaders also charted a course for the coming year, focusing on soft power and technical integration:
- Educational Outreach: Xi and Putin formally launched the “China-Russia Years of Education (2026–2027)” to deepen people-to-people bonds and academic collaboration.
- Military Synergy: Following recent joint exercises in the Sea of Japan, the leaders pledged to continue “strategic aviation patrols” and enhance military-technical cooperation.
- Technology & Space: Discussions included joint development in “megascience” projects, specifically targeting artificial intelligence and the International Lunar Research Station.
Geopolitical Context: The Abu Dhabi Parallel
The Putin-Xi call notably coincided with separate peace talks held in Abu Dhabi, where Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. officials met to discuss potential resolutions to the conflict in Ukraine. While Putin refrained from mentioning the peace talks directly during his call with Xi, the virtual summit effectively signaled to the West that Russia’s primary strategic partnership remains unwavering.