Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly told US President Donald Trump that Vladimir Putin might come to regret his decision to invade Ukraine, according to a Financial Times report. The alleged comment came during wide-ranging talks between US and Chinese delegations in Beijing, as Putin prepared for a two-day visit to China, his 25th since taking office.
The remark, if true, suggests a potential rift between the two staunch allies, despite Beijing's continued military and economic support for Moscow. Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 occurred just three weeks after Russia and China signed a 'no-limits' partnership agreement.
Reports also alleged that Trump proposed that Russia, China, and the US should unite against the International Criminal Court. However, China vehemently denied these claims on Tuesday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a reporter, 'The information you mentioned does not match the facts and is completely fabricated out of thin air.'
Putin's Visit and Bilateral Talks
Ahead of his visit, Putin emphasised the close ties between the two nations, stating they were ready to support each other on issues including national unity and sovereignty protection. The Kremlin confirmed that the two sides would discuss the proposed Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which could deliver an additional 50 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia's Arctic fields via Mongolia to China.
Guo Jiakun, speaking at a regular news conference on Monday, said, 'During the visit, the two heads of state will exchange views on cooperation across all areas of bilateral relations, as well as on international and regional issues of mutual concern.'
Ukraine War Developments
Military experts suggest Ukraine may be gaining ground due to innovation in drone warfare, combined with growing fatigue in the Russian military and domestic pressure on Putin. Opinion polls indicate a slow drop in Putin's popularity, as ordinary Russians face internet disruptions and a sluggish economy. Ukraine's increasing long-range drone strikes have made it harder for the Kremlin to portray the war as distant from daily life.
Over the weekend, Ukraine launched a massive aerial attack on the Moscow region, killing three people, according to Russian authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as retribution for relentless Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and other cities the previous week.
Trump had claimed last week that an end to the war was 'getting very close,' though US efforts to broker peace have stalled since the start of the war in Iran.
