Did Xi Jinping Criticise Vladimir Putin? China Calls Report ‘Fabricated’

A report by the Financial Times claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that Russian leader Vladimir Putin might “regret” his invasion of Ukraine.

China has firmly rejected this claim. Responding to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, “The information you mentioned does not match the facts and is completely fabricated out of thin air.”

Why is China pushing back so strongly?

Beijing’s denial reflects how sensitive its positioning is on the Russia-Ukraine war. China has consistently avoided publicly criticising Russia or Putin directly, instead projecting neutrality while maintaining close strategic ties with Moscow.

If Xi had indeed made such a remark, it would signal a significant shift in China’s diplomatic stance. That is precisely why the Chinese government moved quickly to discredit the report.

What did the Financial Times report claim?

According to the Financial Times, Xi made the comment during Trump’s recent visit to Beijing. The discussions reportedly covered the Ukraine war and broader geopolitical issues, including a controversial suggestion by Trump that the US, China, and Russia should cooperate against the International Criminal Court.

The report also suggested that Xi’s alleged remarks marked a departure from his earlier meetings with former US President Joe Biden, where he had not directly expressed personal views on Putin or the war.

Did official records mention these discussions?

No. Public disclosures from the Trump administration did not include any reference to discussions about Putin or the Ukraine war. The official fact sheet released after the Beijing summit remained silent on these sensitive topics, highlighting how tightly curated such diplomatic communications tend to be.

Why is the timing of this report significant?

The report surfaced just days before Putin’s planned visit to China, a trip loaded with symbolism as it marks 25 years since a key friendship treaty between the two countries.

China and Russia had earlier declared a “no-limits partnership” shortly before the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Any suggestion of divergence between Xi and Putin—especially on the war—would carry major geopolitical implications.

How does this fit into the broader Ukraine conflict?

The war in Ukraine, now stretching beyond four years, remains at a stalemate with evolving tactics. Ukraine has increasingly relied on drone warfare to strike Russian targets, including areas near Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended recent strikes, calling them “entirely justified” after Russia launched a major aerial attack on Kyiv.

US Congressman Brendan Boyle underscored the changing nature of the conflict, stating, “The brave Ukrainians ... have reinvented warfare in much the same way the First World War reinvented warfare for the 21st century.”

What role is China playing in the conflict?

China’s role remains under scrutiny. The previous Biden administration accused Beijing of supplying dual-use goods that aided Russia’s war effort. While the Trump administration has also raised concerns, it has done so less frequently.

China continues to walk a fine line—maintaining its partnership with Russia while avoiding direct confrontation with Western powers.

(With inputs from ANI)