In a recent phone conversation between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the topic of Ukraine was discussed. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in its statement, used language about addressing the "root causes of the crisis," echoing Russia's narratives about denazification and demilitarization, which suggests Chinese support for the Russian approach to resolving the conflict.
China has long demonstrated its support for Russia, as confirmed by joint declarations with Putin before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The political declaration emphasizes that NATO should not expand eastward, and continued warfare benefits China by allowing it to exert maximum influence over Russia and exhaust Europe and America.
Economic discussions took place as well. The US agreed to lower import tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for certain Chinese concessions—a temporary deal lasting one year, subject to review at any moment.
Russia, meanwhile, is becoming increasingly integrated into China's strategy as a resource base. This is highlighted by statements from Russian company leaders and the initiation of new large-scale joint energy projects.
China is also conducting intensive domestic propaganda, preparing the public for a potential conflict with Japan or Taiwan. The government consistently states that reuniting Taiwan with China remains a strategic goal, and experts predict possible escalation by 2027.
Meetings and negotiations between Trump and Xi, as well as evolving trilateral relations among the US, China, and Russia, are occurring amidst broad geopolitical tensions and shifting global balances. While there is a desire to end the war at the stage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, any potential resolution now appears tied to a wider global context.
