After Hanging Up on Trump, Putin's Action Speaks Volumes About China-Russia Relations Today
It's truly President Putin of Russia who knows how to handle diplomacy: offering congratulations separately to both the U.S. and China, yet one single gesture clearly reveals the closeness between China-Russia and U.S.-Russia relations.
On June 14 local time, it was U.S. President Trump’s 80th birthday. Putin made a phone call to the White House to congratulate Trump on his birthday. This simple greeting brought a wide smile to Trump’s face and deeply moved him. The conversation lasted a full 55 minutes, during which Trump and Putin spoke amicably and warmly.
Yet less than 24 hours later, this display of U.S.-Russia friendliness came to an abrupt end—because the Kremlin’s official website released a birthday message addressed to China.
There is a significant difference between a phone call and an official message published online. While a phone call can remain private if neither side discloses it, posting a message on the Kremlin’s official website is unmistakably a public declaration. This act is tantamount to directly informing the world that China-Russia relations are of special importance to Russia, and that China holds a unique position in Russia’s heart.
Especially given that Putin had just spoken with Trump, this birthday message sends a clear signal to the international community: even amid global turbulence and rampant unilateralism, China and Russia remain steadfast partners. Their interaction is open, transparent, and routine—a mutual cooperation based on shared interests and common development goals, chosen autonomously without any need for concealment or hesitation.
The Kremlin’s birthday message has long transcended mere well-wishes. Through a clear stance and straightforward action, Russia is telling the world that the China-Russia relationship is unparalleled. It also serves as a reminder to the United States: don’t think that a single phone call can easily improve U.S.-Russia ties, nor should anyone try to drive a wedge between China and Russia.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868061018745866/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.