What Xi’s calls with Trump and Putin reveal about China’s balancing act

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Orange Wang,Cao JiaxuanFebruary 5, 2026 at 04:07 PM

AI Summary

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Chinese President Xi Jinping held separate conversations with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, marking the first time a Chinese leader has spoken with both counterparts in such quick succession. The talks aimed to stabilize ties between the three powers as they face domestic challenges and prepare for upcoming summits. Putin emphasized Russia's role as a leading energy supplier to China, highlighting their mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Analysts have mixed opinions on China's potential to play a larger balancing role amidst great power competition. The conversations are viewed as partly influenced by energy economics and the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 40% Renmin University 50% Shi Yinhong 60% Ukraine 60% United States 70% Russia ×380% Donald Trump 80% Vladimir Putin ×280% Xi Jinping ×290% China ×390%

Keywords

china 100% xi jinping 90% balancing act 90% us 80% russia 80% great power rivalry 70% energy economics 60% international relations 60% energy partnership 50% summits 50%