Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged New Year greetings, highlighting the strong ties between their countries despite Western criticism of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. Xi referred to Putin as his "good friend" and emphasized that the foundation of their relationship has become stronger in 2023. Xi stated that China-Russia relations have maintained healthy and stable development amid unprecedented global changes and a turbulent international situation.

He highlighted that the political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened, strategic coordination has drawn closer, and mutually beneficial cooperation has continued to achieve new results. The volume of bilateral trade between China and Russia has exceeded $200 billion ahead of schedule, and Xi expressed anticipation for marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties in 2024.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also noted that maintaining close ties with Moscow was a "strategic choice" during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to Beijing earlier this month. The exchange of New Year greetings between Xi and Putin serves as a testament to the strengthening alliance between China and Russia, despite international pressures and challenges.