Russian nuclear submarines patrol the Arctic seas, while a growing fleet of nuclear-powered ice breakers projects Kremlin power across the region. China and Russia have conducted joint military drills in the Arctic. Beijing is also seeking access to valuable minerals beneath the ice.

Speaking with Putin in a video meeting, Xi called for coping with uncertainties of the external environment with the stability and resilience of China-Russia relations, jointly promoting the development and revitalization of the two countries, and upholding international fairness and justice.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday that Moscow and Beijing's foreign policy ties played a stabilising role in international affairs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin via video meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, January 21, 2025. Photo: Xinhua Chinese President Xi Jinping talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video meeting on Tuesday,

FILE PHOTO: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping take part in an official welcoming ceremony for delegations' heads at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, 23 October 2024. MAXIM SHIPENKOV/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

President Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose tariffs and sanctions on Russia if there is no deal to stop the fighting in Ukraine “soon.” “I’m not looking to hurt Russia. I love the Russian people,

Reliance on Russia’s military offerings has become increasingly prevalent in parts of Africa, amid an aggressive push by Moscow to lessen Western influence on the continent.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned Europe it could be sidelined by the US, Russia and China, a day after Mr Trump returned to the White House and called on the Kremlin to “make a deal” to end a war that was “destroying Russia”.

Trump threatens Putin with ending war ‘the hard way’ unless he makes a peace deal - Russia said it would have to see what a deal to end the war in Ukraine would look like after Trump’s threats

China's U.N. envoy on Jan. 16 again dismissed claims China was providing Russia with military support. Maxim Shipenkov/AFP via Getty He cited Beijing's stated support for "the sovereignty and ...

The UAE's LNG expansion plans and recent deals with Germany suggest a potential realignment towards the US after a period of strained relations.