Xi and Putin hold a video call after Donald Trump’s inauguration

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 “greater heights,” according to state media from both countries.

Calling Xi a “dear friend”, Putin said Russia and China were building ties “on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support” despite external pressure.

Xi urged Putin to “continue to deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutual support and protect legitimate interests.”

Trump on Tuesday threatens customs for Beijingcalling him a “thug” and warned that “big trouble” was coming for Moscow if it did not strike a deal to end the war in Ukraine.

But Putin told Xi that any deal in Ukraine “must respect Russian interests,” according to foreign affairs adviser Yuriy Ushakov, who spoke to reporters after the call.

Beijing is accused of the construction of Moscow’s war machine providing it with critical components for the conflict in Ukraine.

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

“Putin and Xi have confirmed readiness to build relations with the US on a mutually beneficial and respectful basis if Trump’s team shows interest,” Ushakov said.

However, he also said the call was “not related to Trump’s inauguration in any way.”

The conversation lasted about an hour and a half, during which Putin and Xi also discussed the situations in the Middle East, South Korea and Taiwan, according to Ushakov.

Chinese state media said Xi also expressed a willingness to work with Putin in response to “external uncertainties,” without giving specifics.

Xi had a phone call with Trump last week, which the US president described as a “very good” discussion for both countries. They talked about trading, fentanyl and TikTok, among other things, he said.

Putin has yet to speak with Trump, but greeted him on state television hours before the inauguration.