Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Iran and other major global issues in separate calls with United States President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Chinese and US accounts released Wednesday.
The calls came as Beijing seeks to solidify relations with Moscow while managing tensions with Washington over trade, Taiwan, and international security.
What did Xi say to Trump?
Chinese state media say Xi called for “mutual respect” in US-China relations.
In his conversation with Putin, Xi hailed the strengthening of bilateral ties amid what was described as a turbulent global situation.
Trump called the phone discussion “excellent” in a post on his Truth Social platform. He said his personal relationship with Xi remained “extremely good.” The US president said the two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Iran.
Xi reportedly voiced hope that disputes between the two largest economies could be resolved through incremental trust-building. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying issues could be tackled “one by one.” He said the goal should be for China and the United States to move toward “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.”
He framed 2026 as a year for stabilizing bilateral ties. Chinese accounts say Xi warned Trump to proceed with “caution” on Taiwan. Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in US-China relations, with Beijing consistently opposing US arms sales and political support for Taipei.
The Taiwan issue has been highlighted as a major strategic friction point even as both leaders have stressed the importance of stable ties.
What did Putin and Xi say?
Xi spoke separately with Trump and Putin on the same day, addressing a range of geopolitical flashpoints.
In his call with Putin, Xi reportedly welcomed deeper cooperation with Moscow. The Chinese and Russian leaders have portrayed their relationship as strengthening in response to global uncertainty.
For years, European leaders have pressed China to end its support for Russia, which seeks relief from Western economic sanctions.
“I would like to once again assure you of firm support for our shared efforts to ensure the sovereignty and security of our countries, our socio-economic welfare and the right to choose our own development path,” Putin said in opening remarks broadcast by Russian state television.
Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher
