Key Points from Ushakov’s Readout (Kremlin Official Summary)
Bilateral Ties: The leaders reaffirmed the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China as being at an unprecedented level, based on equality, mutual benefit, and not directed against third parties or influenced by short-term politics.
Economic/Trade Cooperation: Emphasis on continuing to develop commercial and economic ties, including in the energy sector. Trade and energy cooperation were highlighted as key areas for further growth.
Global Situation: The international environment was described as “increasingly turbulent” since the start of the year. Both sides stressed the need to deepen strategic coordination to ensure relations develop steadily and maintain strategic stability.
Coordination on Key Issues: Putin and Xi agreed to keep permanent bilateral consultation mechanisms active across channels (security councils, foreign ministries, defense agencies) to complement their personal communication. They noted close or coinciding positions on major issues, including relations with the United States (e.g., assessments of Trump’s initiatives like the Gaza “Board of Peace” plan).
Regional/Global Crises: Special attention was given to the tense situation in Iran (amid U.S.-Iran talks and regional tensions). They exchanged views on other major strategic issues and global challenges.
Future Plans: Xi invited Putin to visit China in the first half of 2026, and Putin accepted. Putin will also attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit or related events in China later in the year.
Overall Tone: Ushakov emphasized the call as substantive and a “good tradition,” confirming fundamental priorities for the coming period. Moscow and Beijing “support each other on key issues concerning national interests in the face of external challenges,” positioning their alliance as a “powerful, constructive, and stabilizing factor” globally.
Summary of China’s Readout (Key Excerpts and Points)
Timing and Setting: On the afternoon of February 4, 2026, President Xi Jinping held a virtual meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Greetings and Auspicious Context: Xi extended sincere Spring Festival greetings to Putin and the Russian people. He noted that February 4 is the Beginning of Spring (Lichun, one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar), symbolizing the return of spring and a new beginning. Xi expressed readiness to work with Putin on this “auspicious day” to draw a new blueprint for China-Russia relations.
Bilateral Relations: Xi emphasized that China-Russia relations are at an unprecedented high level, characterized by mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and strategic coordination. He called for continued high-level exchanges and strengthened pragmatic cooperation in various fields.
Global Situation: Xi highlighted that the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year. As responsible major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to uphold fairness and justice, safeguard the outcomes of World War II, defend the UN-centered international system, and maintain basic norms of international law.
Strategic Stability and Cooperation: The two leaders agreed to deepen strategic coordination, maintain global strategic stability, and work together to address major international issues. They stressed joint efforts to promote multipolarity, fairness in global governance, and resistance to external interference.
Future Plans: Xi invited Putin to visit China in the first half of 2026, and Putin accepted. They also discussed coordination on upcoming events and bilateral mechanisms.
Overall Tone: The readout portrays the meeting as substantive, friendly, and forward-looking, with both sides committing to steady development of ties as a stabilizing force amid turbulence.