Xi Jinping told Putin that China and Russia always move "hand in hand."

The leader of China, Xi Jinping, exchanged New Year greetings with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, December 31. According to the Chinese leader, the two countries are moving "hand in hand."

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Xinhua.

The Chinese news agency quoted Xi Jinping stating that the PRC and the RF are allegedly "always moving forward hand in hand along the right path of rejecting alliances, confrontation, and not targeting a third party."

The Chinese head added that political "mutual trust" and strategic coordination between their countries "are constantly reaching a higher level under the strategic guidance of the two leaders."

According to Jinping, the Chinese and Russian sides "support each other as heads of the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, making a significant contribution to solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries."

Moreover, the Chinese leader expressed readiness to maintain "close contacts" with Putin and the "common direction" of cooperation between the countries aimed at "continuing the consolidation and deepening of Chinese-Russian ties, characterized by enduring neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation."

Relations between China and the RF

It was previously reported that on March 21, 2023, Xi Jinping and Putin agreed to "deepen comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation" and stated that relations between China and the RF are entering "a new era."

However, analysts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that the Russian dictator failed to achieve the desired partnership in negotiations with the Chinese leader.

Additionally, it is worth noting that Putin and Xi Jinping occasionally visit each other following Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. For instance, the Moscow ambassador in Beijing, Igor Morgulov, recently mentioned that the head of the PRC plans to visit the RF in 2025.

Furthermore, since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, China has regularly declared its allegedly "neutral" position.

At the same time, reports indicate that the PRC continues to support Russia and helps it circumvent international sanctions.

Earlier today, it was also reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent New Year greetings to the Russian dictator Putin.