Xi and Putin discuss strengthening ties and strategic stability in call

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call in which Xi stated that Sino-Russian relations are entering a new stage of growth. They discussed a 'grand plan' for cooperation and working together for strategic stability, with their conversation also touching on the situations in Cuba, Iran, and Venezuela. Separately, a Kremlin aide commented on the lack of a US response regarding the New START treaty.