A direct conversation between Trump and Xi, and possibly a three-way call, as hinted by NDTV, could be a game changer. Such calls could set the tone for future global economic and political strategies.
As we usher in 2025, the geopolitical landscape will be shaped by the interactions between the three most prominent world leaders: Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin. The phone calls between these leaders, especially in the context of Trump’s second-term inauguration, have provided a fascinating glimpse into the interactions of diplomacy, strategy, and potentially the reconfiguration of international relations.
Trump’s approach to China, particularly concerning trade and technology, and his policies towards Russia, especially Ukraine, will be crucial.
Donald Trump said Putin wanted to meet with him, meeting ”being set up”
”He wants to meet, and we are setting it up,” Trump said.
According to Trump, a trilateral meeting – with the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping – may also take place. pic.twitter.com/53lD6A2SXA
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) January 10, 2025
In the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, Vladimir Putin extended his congratulations, emphasizing Russia’s openness to dialogue on critical issues, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin’s remarks, as reported by RT, underscored a desire for a ”long-term peace based on respect for the legitimate interests of all people” in the region, highlighting the need for a strategic pivot in U.S.-Russia relations.
Similarly, Xi Jinping’s conversation with Putin, as detailed by China Daily, focused on coordinating their stance towards the U.S. following Trump’s inauguration. The call was emblematic of the China-Russia partnership, aiming to counterbalance U.S. influence while discussing mutual concerns like Taiwan and the broader implications of U.S. policies under Trump’s leadership.
After Trump was sworn in for his second term, Putin’s immediate response was not only a congratulatory message but also an overture for cooperation. As Euronews reported, Putin congratulated Trump, signalling Russia’s readiness to ”build constructive, stable, and predictable relations” with the United States.
While not directly involving Trump at this stage, the discussions between Xi and Putin indicate the strategic foresight both leaders are employing. They discussed the need for a multipolar world order, which would inherently challenge the unipolar dominance of U.S. foreign policy. This was a clear message of solidarity and strategic partnership aimed at maintaining their influence in global affairs amidst American unpredictability.
Analysis
The phone calls between Trump, Xi, and Putin are more than diplomatic courtesies; they are strategic manoeuvres. Trump’s return to the White House introduces a variable that China and Russia must navigate. Trump’s policies could escalate tensions or lead to significant diplomatic breakthroughs depending on how these leaders leverage their discussions.
Maintaining a united front against perceived U.S. hegemony could be beneficial for Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Yet they must also manage their own relations, which are complex, particularly with issues like energy supplies, technology transfer, and territorial disputes in Asia.
For Trump, these calls will be an opportunity to reset or redefine U.S. foreign policy, whether through a hardline stance on trade with China or a new approach to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. His ability to navigate these relationships reveals his second term’s impact on global politics.
As 2025 unfolds, each diplomatic gesture could stabilize or further complicate international relations. The interplay of power, interests, and diplomacy among Trump, Xi, and Putin will undoubtedly shape the narrative of global politics in the coming years.
Whether these dialogues lead to a new era of cooperation or continue the trajectory of strategic rivalry remains to be seen. Still, one thing is clear: the actions of these three leaders will resonate far beyond their following phone conversation.
Related
- EuroNews: Russia’s Putin congratulates Donald Trump as he takes office for the second time
- Washington Times: Russia’s Putin discusses ‘multipolar global order’ with China’s Xi hours after Trump inauguration
- China Daily: Positive phone call offers hope of new beginning for ties that will bear fruit: China Daily editorial