Chinese and Russian Leaders Exchange New Year's Greetings, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
On February 8th, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year's greetings during a phone call. The Xinhua News Agency reported that the call took place as the Chinese Lunar New Year approached, with both leaders expressing their warm wishes for a prosperous Year of the Dragon for the Chinese people.
9 February 2024
In the phone conversation, President Xi highlighted the festive atmosphere surrounding the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival and expressed the Chinese people's hope and confidence in the impending Dragon Year. He and President Putin summarized the significant achievements in the development of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership relations, reiterating that the two countries' neighborly friendship reached an unprecedented high level.
The Russian Embassy in China released a statement saying that President Putin congratulated President Xi and the Chinese people on the occasion of the Spring Festival. The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant holiday in Chinese culture, with millions of people traveling to their hometowns to celebrate with their families.
The exchange of New Year's greetings between the Chinese and Russian leaders reflects the strong ties between the two countries and their commitment to further strengthening their partnership. The two nations have been working closely in various fields, including trade, energy, and technology, and have often supported each other on the international stage, particularly at the United Nations.
Chinese State Media covered the phone call extensively, with both Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television (CCTV) broadcasting video clips of the conversation. The coverage emphasized the importance of the call and the special relationship between China and Russia.
The phone call between Xi and Putin received widespread attention on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with many users expressing their excitement and pride in the strong relationship between the two countries. Some users also praised the leaders' warm interactions, while others shared their hopes for continued cooperation and friendship between China and Russia in the future. However, some users expressed concern about the potential impact of the phone call on China's relationship with Western countries, particularly the United States.
This exchange between the Chinese and Russian leaders is particularly significant as it comes at a time when both countries face increasing challenges from the West, particularly the United States. The United States has imposed sanctions on both nations in response to their perceived aggression and political repression. Despite this, China and Russia have maintained a strong partnership, emphasizing their shared commitment to multilateralism and a multipolar world order.
In conclusion, the phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 8th demonstrates the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations. As both countries face increasing challenges from the West, their ongoing partnership will likely continue to be a crucial factor in shaping the geopolitical landscape in the years to come.