RUSSIA: New Year 2025 - In his New Year's message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s dedication to "world peace and development" while highlighting the enduring strength of the China-Russia partnership, as reported by Chinese state media on Tuesday.

Xi expressed that China would remain steadfast in its mission to promote global peace, regardless of shifting international circumstances. "No matter how the international situation changes, China will continue its efforts to deepen reform comprehensively, fostering world peace and development," Xi remarked, according to the state-run broadcaster CCTV.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, China has positioned itself as a neutral party, distancing itself from the United States and other Western nations. However, China continues to maintain close political and economic ties with Russia, which has led some NATO members to criticize Beijing for enabling the war— a stance Beijing has not publicly condemned.

Xi also spoke of the deep and resilient bond between China and Russia. He acknowledged the turbulence of the current global situation, noting that both countries have consistently chosen the path of "non-alignment, non-confrontation, and refraining from targeting any third party." Xi's message underscored the solidarity of China and Russia, as both nations navigate rapidly evolving global challenges.

The two leaders share a personal connection, with Xi referring to Putin as his "best friend," while Putin regards Xi as a "reliable partner." Their relationship has remained strong, even amidst increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly with the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Xi further highlighted the historical significance of 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. "This milestone represents a new and important phase in the development of our bilateral relations," Xi stated. Reflecting on the long history of their ties, Xi emphasized that China-Russia relations have become increasingly stable and mature over the last 75 years.