Xi and Putin Hold Video Talks Amid Western Engagement

• Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held video talks on Wednesday, as reported by Chinese state media.
• The virtual meeting occurred amidst a series of engagements between Xi and Western leaders aiming to strengthen ties despite differences over the Ukraine war.
• British and Canadian prime ministers visited Beijing last month, and the German chancellor is expected later this month.
• The call with Putin likely aimed to reassure Russia of China's unchanged stance on the war, as European leaders have urged China to end its support for Russia.
• China continues to trade with Russia, offering economic relief from Western sanctions; Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu recently met Wang Yi in Beijing to affirm close ties.