China will support Russia on security, Xi tells Putin on his birthday call

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, two strong leaders with a special relationship 2:41

(CNN) --

Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his support for Moscow on "sovereignty and security" issues in a call with his counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, maintaining his support for the countries' partnership despite backlash. against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On his 69th birthday, Xi also pledged to deepen strategic coordination between the two countries, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

A separate Kremlin reading said the two leaders stressed that their countries' relations "were at a critical point" and reaffirmed their commitment to "consistently deepen the comprehensive partnership."

The call is believed to be the second time the two leaders have spoken since Russia invaded Ukraine.

They also spoke just days after Moscow launched what it insists it calls a "special military operation."

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China has also refrained from referring to Russia's actions as an invasion and has walked a fine line on the issue.

It has been presented as a call for peace and the defense of world order, while refusing to denounce Russia's actions.

It has also used its state media apparatus to mimic Kremlin lines blaming the United States and NATO for the crisis.

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During Wednesday's call, Xi stressed that China had always "independently assessed the situation" in Ukraine and called on "all parties" to push for a "proper solution to the Ukrainian crisis," echoing the language he used in a March call with US President Joe Biden.

China is "willing to continue to play its role" in promoting a "proper solution" for Ukraine, he said.

The Kremlin's summary of the call took this position a step further, saying: "China's president noted the legitimacy of Russia's actions to protect core national interests in the face of challenges to its security created by external forces."

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China's lack of censorship of Russia's war in Ukraine has further strained Beijing's tense relations with the United States and its allies.

US officials have repeatedly called on countries to condemn Russia's actions and have warned their Chinese counterparts not to help Moscow.

During the March call between Xi and Biden, the US president explained the consequences if China provided material support, following US information that Moscow had asked Beijing for military help, a claim both deny.

business ties

Wednesday's call was also an opportunity for Putin and Xi to check out the growing trade relationship.

Earlier this year, weeks before the Russian invasion, the two leaders said in a face-to-face meeting that their countries had a "limitless" partnership and vowed to boost trade.

"Since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a solid development momentum in the face of global turmoil and transformation," Xi said in the call on Wednesday.

"The Chinese side is willing to work with the Russian side to push forward the long-term and steady development of practical bilateral cooperation," Xi said, noting the "steady progress" of their trade ties and the opening last week of the first bridge of cross-border highway on the Amur River.

The two agreed to expand cooperation in energy, finance, manufacturing and other areas, "taking into account the global economic situation that has been complicated by the illegitimate sanctions policy carried out by the West," the Kremlin readout said.

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The two countries also pledged to work together to strengthen communication and coordination in international organizations such as the United Nations, where the two often vote as a bloc.

"China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries... and push the development of the international order and world governance in a more just and reasonable direction," Xi said, in a comment that pointed to the common goal of both countries to confront what they consider the world hegemony of the United States.

Birthday greetings

The call was not the first time that Xi and Putin — two strongmen bound by mutual mistrust of the West — have become engaged on each other's birthdays.

In 2013, Xi presented Putin with a birthday cake and the two drank vodka together to celebrate the Russian leader's 61st birthday during a conference in Indonesia.

Xi later celebrated her 66th birthday during a 2019 summit in Tajikistan with Putin, who surprised her with ice cream, cake and champagne.

Their personal relationship, in which Xi has described Putin as his "closest and best friend," is also believed to reinforce the dynamic of their strengthening relationship domestically.

In its summary of the two leaders' latest call, the Kremlin noted that the conversation took place in a "traditionally warm and friendly atmosphere."

ChinaWar in UkraineVladimir PutinXi Jinping