Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to China from May 16-17 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. It was Putin’s first foreign trip since he began his fifth term as Russian President and the 43rd meeting between the two leaders.
In their talks, the two sides made a comprehensive review of the successful experience in developing the China-Russia relationship and had an in-depth exchange of views on their relationship as well as major international and regional issues of mutual interest, charting the course forward for their cooperation across the board.
Xi stressed that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. In the past three quarters of a century, the China-Russia relationship has grown stronger amidst wind and rain and stood the test of a changing international landscape. It has become a fine example for major countries and neighbouring countries to treat each other with respect and candour and pursue amity and mutual benefit.
The most important conclusion drawn from the 75-year history of China-Russia relations is that two neighbouring major countries must always promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respect each other on an equal footing, trust each other, accommodate each other’s concerns, and truly provide mutual assistance for the development and revitalisation of both sides, Xi noted, adding that this is not only the correct way for China and Russia to get along, but also the direction that major-country relations should strive for in the 21st century.
Putin expressed his pleasure to visit China again after he was sworn in as Russian president for a new term. Noting that President Xi also paid a state visit to Russia in March last year, shortly after his re-election as Chinese president, Putin said that it is a friendly tradition between the two countries, which demonstrates that both sides attach high importance to enhancing the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
The development of Russia-China ties is not out of expediency or targeted at any third party, Putin said, adding that it benefits international strategic stability.
After the talks, Xi and Putin signed and issued the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations and witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.
They also made statements to the press.
Xi Jinping said China and Russia have served as a role model by showing others the ways of building state-to-state ties of a new kind and working together as two major neighbouring powers.
“Our commitment to the following five principles has made all of this possible.
“The first principle involves demonstrating mutual respect and firm commitment to supporting each other on matters dealing with the core interests of both sides. Our two countries are committed to acting in the spirit of non-alignment with any blocs, rejecting confrontation and refraining from targeting any third countries while demonstrating our steadfast commitment to confidence building measures on political matters, respecting the development trajectories we choose for ourselves and firmly supporting each other as we strive for shared prosperity and revival.
“The second principle consists of promoting a win-win approach to shaping a new architecture of mutually beneficial cooperation. We must support networks promoting fundamental research, unleash our cooperation potential in high-technology sectors, step up our cooperation on border crossings, transport and logistics, and ensure the stable operation of global manufacturing and supply chains.
“The third principle deals with maintaining our centuries-old friendly ties and passing on this friendship from one generation to another. People from average Chinese families read Pushkin’s and Tolstoy’s books, while traditional Chinese culture, including the Beijing Opera and Taichi, have been very popular among Russians.
“The fourth point is that we must act in the spirit of strategic cooperation to set various visions of global governance on the right track. China and Russia have been firmly advocating a UN-centred system of international relations and an international order based on international law.
“We express our firm commitment to working together in the context of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship this year and when China assumes the SCO [Shanghai Cooperation Organisation] presidency in the second half of the year by forging a comprehensive, closely-knit, result-driven and inclusive high-level partnership for uniting the Global South and making it stronger.
“The fifth principle deals with promoting a political settlement for hotspots in the interest of truth and justice. Today’s world is still plagued by Cold War mentality. Aspirations to securing a unilateral hegemony, bloc-based confrontation and power politics pose a direct threat to peace and security for all countries around the world. President Putin and I discussed the need to achieve an immediate settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to resolve the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and in keeping with the UN resolution.”
For his part, Vladimir Putin said: “I would like to emphasise that this state visit takes place in the year of the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognise the People’s Republic of China on October 2, 1949, the day after its declaration. We also provided substantial assistance to it at the initial stage of the development of its political system, state institutions and the economy.
Turning to current economic issues, he added: “The enhancement of trade and investment ties [has been] greatly aided by the coordinated measures implemented to shift payments between our countries into national currencies. Currently, the ruble and yuan comprise over 90 percent of Russian-Chinese commercial transactions, with this proportion steadily increasing. This trend signifies that our mutual trade and investment are securely protected from the influence of third countries and adverse developments on global currency markets.
He also remarked that: “Our talks have reaffirmed that Russia and China have similar or identical views on many international and regional issues. Both countries have an independent and sovereign foreign policy. We are working together to create a fairer and more democratic multipolar world order based on the central role of the UN and its Security Council, international law, cultural and civilisational diversity, as well as a calibrated balance of interests of all members of the international community. Acting from these positions, Russia and China are fruitfully working together in BRICS, where Russia is holding the chairmanship this year, and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the chairmanship of which China will take over in July. Of course, our countries are resolved to continue working to align the integration processes underway within the framework of the EAEU [Eurasian Economic Union] with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to ultimately creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership.”
The two leaders also held a personal meeting, in which President Xi noted that, having lasted three quarters of a century, China-Russia relations have grown from strength to strength despite the ups and downs. and have stood the test of changing international landscape. Over the years, he and President Putin have met more than 40 times and stayed in close communication, providing strategic guidance that has ensured the sound, steady and smooth development of the relationship. The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it.
Steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large. On the new journey, China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other’s good neighbour, good friend and good partner that trust each other, continue to consolidate the lasting friendship between the two peoples, and jointly pursue respective national development and revitalisation and uphold fairness and justice in the world.
Premier Li Qiang also met with the Russian leader.
Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia have been developing bilateral relations on the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. He added that their practical cooperation in various fields has been steadily promoted, people-to-people and sub-national exchanges have flourished, and public support for friendly relations between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated, setting an example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major countries.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties, Li said China is willing to work with Russia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, consolidate and carry forward their long-standing friendship, deepen cooperation in various fields, promote the common development of China and Russia, better benefit the two peoples, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
He added that China is ready to work with Russia to further synergy and deepen cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, promote regional integration, enhance trade liberalisation and facilitation, and deepen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, energy and connectivity.
The two sides should take the China-Russia Years of Culture as an opportunity to further promote cooperation in the fields of cultural tourism, sports, youth, medical and health care, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Noting that Russia-China relations have reached the highest level, Putin said Russia is willing to work with China to take the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture and infrastructure construction, make the Russia-China Years of Culture a success, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to a new level.
That evening the two presidents attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Culture and a special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties.
Xi said that: “Last year, President Putin and I agreed to make 2024 and 2025 the China-Russia Years of Culture. The two sides officially launched this cultural event today.” He added that the two countries will hold a series of cultural exchange programs to further release the potential of bilateral cultural cooperation and jointly open up a new future of China-Russia cultural exchanges.
The second day of President Putin’s visit was spent in Harbin, the capital of China’s northeast Heilongjiang Province and a city with deep historical connections to Russia since the nineteenth century.
Accompanied by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Putin attended the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Russia Expo in the city.
In his congratulatory letter, which was read by Han Zheng, Xi said that with the joint efforts of the two countries, China-Russia relations have made solid progress step by step and delivered tangible cooperation outcomes to the benefit of the two peoples.
Stressing that after years of cultivation and development, the China-Russia Expo has become an important platform for promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he added that it is hoped that all sectors of the two countries will make full use of the opportunity presented by the current China-Russia Expo to deepen exchanges and share opportunities, jointly contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia, and inject new impetus into the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
Noting that Russia cherishes the tradition of friendly cooperation with China, Putin expressed the hope that the two sides will tap the potential and actively leverage the role of the expo to push for new progress in bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, energy, industry, high and new technology, cross-border transportation, tourism, agriculture and local affairs, to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
After the opening ceremony, Han met with Putin.
Han said China-Russia cooperation has enjoyed a sound momentum in recent years.
The Belt and Road Initiative has been further aligned with the Eurasian Economic Union, and a number of major projects have been smoothly advanced, adding that the China-Russia Expo was a beautiful “business card” of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. It is believed that with the joint efforts of the two sides, bilateral cooperation will surely achieve more results, benefit the two peoples and contribute to world development and progress.
For his part, Putin called on the two sides to closely coordinate and cooperate, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, further promote local cooperation between Russia’s far east and China’s northeast region, and push for better development of bilateral relations.
Putin also visited the Harbin Institute of Technology, where he delivered a speech to Chinese and Russian students and faculty members, noting how the institute had originally been established by Russian professionals as a Russian-Chinese technical college to train personnel for the Chinese Eastern Railway.
Whilst in Harbin, President Putin also laid flowers at the monument to the Soviet Red Army soldiers who gave their lives in the liberation of northeast China from Japanese militarism and visited the Russian Orthodox Church of the Intercession.
In a press conference concluding his visit, Putin answered a large number of questions from the international media and stated:
“Of course, it is necessary to strengthen the emerging multipolar world. There is absolutely no doubt that a new world is taking shape before our eyes and becoming multipolar. I believe all the people are aware of this. It is important that those who are trying to maintain their monopoly on making decisions on all issues globally should realise this (I believe that they do realise it perfectly well). Understanding this, they should do everything possible to facilitate this natural process. I repeat, this process should be peaceful and conflict-free, with the opinions of all parties to the international process fully considered. All of us should seek compromises while making the difficult decisions that lie ahead.”
Meanwhile, coinciding with the state visit, a memorial plaque commemorating the former head of the Soviet expert group to China Ivan Vasilievich Arkhipov was unveiled in the Russian city of Kaluga, southwest of Moscow, on May 15.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from China and Russia as well as Arkhipov’s descendants.
At the ceremony, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Moscow Liu Qinghua noted that Arkhipov significantly contributed to helping New China revitalise its national economy and achieve the goals of the first Five-Year Plan, adding that he made unremitting efforts to consolidate and continue the friendship between the two peoples.
Arkhipov, who died in 1998, led the work of the former Soviet expert group to China in the 1950s. He received multiple awards from both countries for his contribution to their bilateral ties. He always remained highly respected in China, even when the Soviet Union and China became estranged on the state level and official relations were hostile.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the websites of the Russian Presidency and the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Xi, Putin hold talks in Beijing, charting course for enhanced ties
BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Thursday.
The two sides had a comprehensive review of the successful experience in developing the China-Russia relationship, and had an in-depth exchange of views on the relationship as well as major international and regional issues of mutual interest, charting the course forward for their cooperation across the board.
FINE EXAMPLE OF MAJOR-COUNTRY RELATIONS
Xi stressed that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. In the past three quarters of a century, the China-Russia relationship has grown stronger amidst wind and rain, and stood the test of changing international landscape. The relationship has become a fine example for major countries and neighboring countries to treat each other with respect and candor, and pursue amity and mutual benefit.
The steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large, Xi said.
The most important conclusion drawn from the 75-year history of China-Russia relations is that two neighboring major countries must always promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respect each other on an equal footing, trust each other, accommodate each other’s concerns, and truly provide mutual assistance for the development and revitalization of both sides, Xi noted, adding that this is not only the correct way for China and Russia to get along, but also the direction that major-country relations should strive for in the 21st century.
Putin expressed his pleasure to visit China again after he was sworn in as Russian president for a new term. Noting that President Xi also paid a state visit to Russia in March last year shortly after his re-election as Chinese president, Putin said that it is a friendly tradition between the two countries, which demonstrates that both sides attach high importance to enhancing the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
The development of Russia-China ties is not out of expediency or targeted at any third party, Putin said, adding that it benefits international strategic stability.
Li Ziguo, director of the Department for European-Central Asian Studies under the China Institute of International Studies, said that both as major countries in the world, China and Russia have been adhering to the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, and finding the right way to get along, which overcomes the outdated mindset that major countries are bound to differ in interests and inevitably become competitors.
COMMITMENT TO WIN-WIN COOPERATION
Xi said that with concerted efforts from both sides, China-Russia relations have been moving forward steadily, with enhanced comprehensive strategic coordination and further cooperation on economy and trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges, at the subnational level and in other fields. This has made positive contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting greater democracy in international relations.
The two sides should take the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic ties as a new starting point, further synergize development strategies, and continue to enrich the bilateral cooperation to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples, he said.
Last year, China-Russia two-way trade exceeded 240 billion U.S. dollars, close to 2.7 times that of a decade ago. This is a good indication of the all-round cooperation of mutual benefit that continues to deepen between the two countries.
“Chinese products are renowned for their good quality, extensive variety, and competitive pricing. In recent years, our company has maintained good cooperation with dozens of Chinese suppliers, and the trade volume has increased year by year,” said Dmitry Pismennyy, a Russian businessman engaged in foreign trade in southwest China’s Chongqing.
The two presidents have set 2024 and 2025 as China-Russia Years of Culture, proposed a series of cultural activities that are down to earth and close to people’s hearts, and encouraged closer interactions between various sectors and at subnational levels to enhance mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples.
Putin said that the intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms between Russia and China are functioning well, and bilateral cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, agriculture, industry, energy, and connectivity has grown steadily. He noted that the signing of a series of cooperation documents demonstrates that the two sides are committed to further deepening win-win cooperation.
Russia is willing to work with China to implement the pre-2030 development plan on economic cooperation between the two sides, well organize the Russia-China Years of Culture activities, and strengthen the alignment between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative, Putin said, adding that next year, Russia and China will hold events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.
SAFEGUARDING UN-CENTERED INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
China and Russia are committed to strategic coordination as an underpinning of relations, and steer global governance in the right direction, Xi said when jointly meeting with the press with Putin.
The two countries are firmly committed to safeguarding the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. They stay in close coordination and collaboration in multilateral platforms such as the UN, APEC and G20, and advance multipolarity and economic globalization in the spirit of true multilateralism, he said.
With Russia chairing BRICS this year and China taking over the chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) later this year, the two sides will support each other’s chairmanship, build a high-quality partnership that is more comprehensive, close, practical and inclusive, and build the unity and strength of the Global South, he added.
China and Russia are committed to fairness and justice as the purpose of relations, and dedicated to the political settlement of hotspots, Xi said.
Putin said that Russia and China have maintained close coordination on the international stage and are jointly committed to promoting the establishment of a more democratic multipolar world order. Both sides are willing to continue to strengthen cooperation within the frameworks including BRICS and SCO as well as communication on major international and regional issues, so as to promote regional and world peace and development.
Li Yongquan, head of the China Society for Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies, said that faced with numerous challenges in global governance, a healthy development of China-Russia relations and their cooperation within such mechanisms as BRICS and SCO are pivotal for maintaining regional and international stability, and improving global governance.
After the talks, Xi and Putin signed and issued the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations, and witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents.
Prior to the talks, Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for Putin.
Xi also hosted a welcoming banquet for Putin around noon.
Senior officials including Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the events.
Media statement following Russia-China talks
BEIJING, May 16 (President of Russia)
President of China Xi Jinping:
President Putin,
Members of the media, good afternoon.
I am very pleased to join you together with President Putin. He chose China for his first foreign state visit after starting his new presidential term, which offers convincing proof of the attention Mr Putin and Russia attach to their relations with China. I cannot but welcome this attitude and would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to President Putin.
Mr Putin and I have just held frank, friendly and meaningful talks to review our achievements in promoting bilateral ties over the past 75 years, since our two countries established diplomatic relations. We also had a detailed exchange of opinions on the bilateral agenda and timely international and regional matters of mutual interest. Furthermore, we outlined our objectives and plans for further expanding China-Russia relations and our multifaceted cooperation.
We signed joint statements on enhancing the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation for a new era in the context of the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
Several milestone intergovernmental and interagency documents were signed in our presence, giving a new powerful impetus to the steady advancement of China-Russia relations.
This year, we will be marking the 75th anniversary China-Russia diplomatic relations. We have overcome many challenges and forged even stronger ties over the past three quarters of a century. I must note that we have been continually enhancing out bilateral relations ever since they entered a new era, giving new substance to our cooperation. The idea of friendship has become deeply ingrained in our mindsets.
China and Russia have served as a role model by showing others ways of building state-to-state ties of a new kind and working together as two major neighbouring powers. Our commitment to the following five principles has made all of this possible.
The first principle involves demonstrating mutual respect and firm commitment to supporting each other on matters dealing with the core interests of both sides.
President Putin and I share the view that we have been able to develop a new model enabling neighbouring major powers to develop their relations based on the principles of respect and equality. We also demonstrate mutual and resolute support on matters dealing with the core interests of both parties and address each other’s current concerns. This is the main pillar of the Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation for a new era. Our two countries are committed to acting in the spirit of non-alignment with any blocs, rejecting confrontation and refraining from targeting any third countries while demonstrating our steadfast commitment to confidence building measures on political matters, respecting the development trajectories we choose for ourselves and firmly supporting each other as we strive for shared prosperity and revival.
The second principle consists of promoting a win-win approach to shaping a new architecture of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Last year, trade between our countries increased by a factor of almost 2.7 compared to what we had ten years ago and exceeded $240 billion. This reflects our continuous effort to deepen comprehensive mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. President Putin and I agreed that we must find common ground regarding the interests our countries pursue and exploit the advantages we have when working together on our shared interests and initiatives.
It is essential that we carry on with our efforts to streamline our cooperation and inject even more positive momentum in trade and other traditional domains of our cooperation. We must support networks promoting fundamental research, unleash our cooperation potential in high-technology sectors, step up our cooperation on border crossings, transport and logistics, and ensure the stable operation of global manufacturing and supply chains.
The third principle deals with maintaining our centuries-old friendly ties and passing on this friendship from one generation to another. China and Russia both pride themselves on their ancient history and outstanding cultures. People from average Chinese families read Pushkin’s and Tolstoi’s books, while traditional Chinese culture, including the Beijing opera and Tai chi, has been very popular among Russians.
Our countries have been steadily expanding their cultural and humanitarian ties lately as part of the China-Russia roadmap for humanitarian cooperation until 2030. President Putin and I decided to hold the Years of Chinese and Russian culture in 2024 and 2025 by organising a series of lively and spectacular cultural events for the general public in order to promote closer ties between our civil societies, as well as region-to-region ties as a way to bring our two nations closer together.
The fourth point is that we must act in the spirit of strategic cooperation to set various visions of global governance on the right track. China and Russia have been firmly advocating a UN-centred system of international relations and an international order based on international law. We have been coordinating our positions within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, APEC and the G20 to promote the emergence of a multipolar world and economic globalisation based on genuine multilateralism.
We express our firm commitment to working together in the context of Russia’s BRICS chairmanship this year and when China assumes the SCO presidency in the second half of the year by forging a comprehensive, closely-knit, result-driven and inclusive high-level partnership for uniting the Global South and making it stronger.
The fifth principle deals with promoting a political settlement for hotspots in the interest of truth and justice. Today’s world is still plagued by Cold War mentality. Aspirations to securing a unilateral hegemony, bloc-based confrontation and power politics pose a direct threat to peace and security for all countries around the world.
President Putin and I discussed the need to achieve an immediate settlement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to resolve the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution and in keeping with the UN resolution.
China and Russia believe that the Ukraine crisis must be resolved by political means. China has been consistent and clear on this matter by advocating for compliance with the norms and principles set forth in the UN Charter, respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity for all countries, while taking into consideration their reasonable security concerns. This approach aims to shape a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.
China hopes that peace and stability will return to the European continent soon and is ready to constructively contribute to making this happen. As we say in China, tree bark forms by the accumulation of soil, while an accumulation of water creates oceans. It is thanks to their efforts over the past 75 years that China and Russia have been building upon their centuries-old friendship and comprehensive cooperation to generate powerful momentum, which enabled them to overcome all challenges and reach new heights.
Having reached a new threshold in the history of their relations, China and Russia will uphold their commitment to the primary goal of working for the benefit of the two nations and effectively contributing to promoting lasting peace and development across the planet with a sense of responsibility. Thank you.
Thank you for your attention.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin:
President Xi Jinping,
Friends, comrades,
Ladies and gentlemen,
First, I would like to express gratitude to the President of the People’s Republic of China and to all our Chinese colleagues for a warm welcome. As we walked to this hall, we exchanged views with President Xi. It is true that our Chinese friends have created both a friendly and warm environment and a pragmatic, business-like and constructive atmosphere that is good for working.
The talks we have just finished highlighted the great significance that Moscow and Beijing attach to the development and strengthening of comprehensive Russia-China partnership and strategic interaction. This partnership can certainly set an example of ties between neighbouring states.
The high standards and the special nature of Russia-China relations were reaffirmed when President Xi, as you remember and as he has mentioned just now, paid a state visit to Russia soon after his re-election as President of the People’s Republic of China in March 2023. It is logical that China is the first foreign country I have visited since assuming office as President of Russia.
There is certainly a degree of symbolism in this, but there is also more to it. These events have a practical content and are very useful, helping us to synchronise watches and move forward along the path we choose jointly with the President of the People’s Republic of China.
We maintain regular contact. Apart from holding regular bilateral summits, we also meet on the sidelines of multilateral events and have telephone conversations, so that we can discuss any, even the most difficult issues and personally oversee all the essential issues of the bilateral and international agenda.
I would like to emphasise that this state visit takes place in the year of the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognise the People’s Republic of China on October 2, 1949, the day after its declaration. We also provided substantial assistance to it at the initial stage of the development of its political system, state institutions and the economy. Our cooperation grew stronger and developed for decades after that. We have accumulated positive experience of a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership. Our shared baggage includes major achievements in widely different fields.
Today, President Xi Jinping and I discussed the current state and outlook for bilateral cooperation in a warm, friendly and constructive atmosphere. We noted with satisfaction the intensity of our dialogue on political and security matters, the growing pace of our economic exchanges, the expansion of our cultural contacts and our effective coordination on the international stage.
I want to note the significance of the Joint Statement we have adopted, which sets new objectives and long-term directives for advancing the entire spectrum of Russian-Chinese relations. The realisation of these goals will undoubtedly facilitate the implementation of an extensive array of intergovernmental, interdepartmental, and commercial agreements drafted for this visit.
Certainly, trade and investment interaction was a focal point during our talks, considering China’s prominent position as Russia’s leading foreign trade partner. Additionally, our country secured the fourth place in the export-import balance of the People’s Republic of China based on last year’s results.
In 2023, bilateral trade surged by a quarter, reaching a new milestone of $240 billion, as reported by Chinese statistics. While there may be a slight variance in figures, the overall total is entirely accurate.
I would particularly like to highlight the growth of Russian food exports to the Chinese market, which surged by more than 50 percent to $7.6 billion. Overall, bilateral trade in agricultural products grew by 40 percent, totalling $9.7 billion. There are strong indications that this trade segment will continue to expand further.
Investment cooperation is advancing dynamically, with the total volume of mutual investments on the rise. Currently, there are over 80 priority projects valued at approximately $200 billion in progress or in preparation for implementation through the respective intergovernmental commission.
The enhancement of trade and investment ties was greatly aided by the coordinated measures implemented to shift payments between our countries into national currencies. Currently, the ruble and yuan comprise over 90 percent of Russian-Chinese commercial transactions, with this proportion steadily increasing. This trend signifies that our mutual trade and investment are securely protected from the influence of third countries and adverse developments on global currency markets.
In light of this, we have agreed to further improve communication between credit and banking institutions of Russia and China, while actively employing national payment systems to support our economic operators.
Naturally, during the talks, extensive discussions were held on cooperation in the rapidly evolving energy sector. This domain remains one of our key priorities, and we have concrete plans to enhance cooperation in energy-related projects.
Energy cooperation between Russia and China extends beyond hydrocarbons to encompass the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Rosatom is building power units of Russian design at the Tianwan NPP and the Xudapu NPP in the People’s Republic of China. The commissioning of these units is poised to make a substantial contribution to China’s energy supply, providing affordable and clean energy to Chinese industries and households alike.
Furthermore, with Russia’s involvement, an experimental fast-neutron facility has been built in China, and work is underway on the construction of a new demonstration fast reactor.
With support from Chinese partners, the construction of the NICA accelerator complex is underway in Dubna, near Moscow, based on the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research. Experiments conducted at this collider will pave the way for groundbreaking mega-science projects that surpass the capabilities of any single country in the world.
Regarding bilateral industrial cooperation, we are pleased to witness the proactive expansion of Chinese automakers and household appliance manufacturers in the Russian market. As discussed during our talks, and as the President said, we acknowledge the detrimental effect of any unlawful actions, sanctions, or restrictions. We wholeheartedly embrace collaboration with our Chinese counterparts in the automobile manufacturing sector, where they have demonstrated clear and undeniable successes and competitive advantages through fair competition. We look forward to further developing this cooperation.
Major joint projects are underway in non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and pulp industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, space exploration, and various other high-tech sectors. Russia and China are jointly developing international transport and logistics corridors, harnessing the potential of the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur railways, as well as the Northern Sea Route. Year by year, the volume of incoming cargo and passenger traffic is on the rise. To improve their efficiency, we are collaboratively enhancing the capacity of border crossings and expanding border infrastructure.
Russia and China are vigorously developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation. As previously mentioned, 2024 and2025 have been designated as cross years of culture in our countries. The official commencement will take place this evening. The programme for the cross years is comprehensive, encompassing a wide array of cultural events to be held in 38 cities across Russia and 51 cities in China. These events include festivals, fairs, theatre tours, ice shows, museum exhibitions, film screenings, and much more.
I want to highlight that in February, the Chinese New Year was officially celebrated in Moscow for the first time, with the support of the city mayor’s office. It’s worth noting that these vibrant festivities were conducted on a grand scale and were enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people.
Educational cooperation between our countries is also improving. Thousands and tens of thousands of Russian and Chinese citizens are pursuing education in China and Russia, respectively.
Tomorrow, we are scheduled to visit Harbin Institute of Technology, a prominent Chinese institution that has been engaged in successful collaboration with Bauman Moscow State Technical University since 2019. Additionally, in the near future, a Russian-Chinese training centre in natural sciences will open in Harbin, as part of a partnership between Harbin Institute of Technology and St Petersburg State University.
Mutual tourism is growing, largely thanks to both countries’ visa free regime for tourists. For example, 734,000 Russians visited China and 477,000 Chinese tourists visited Russia in 2023.
Our sports cooperation is on the rise. Chinese athletes demonstrated good achievements at the first international Games of the Future tournament held in Kazan in February and March 2024. The games, which are a new format of sports movement proposed by Russia, combine dynamic classical sports with cybersport.
Frankly, I can tell the audience that I never thought these games would grow to such proportions and would cause such big interest among young people. As you know, it was an interesting event, which hundreds of millions of people, by and large, watched in cyberspace. We hope that China will become an active partner and will host one of the forthcoming events of the Games of the Future.
We also look forward to seeing Chinese athletes at large sports events Russia will host in 2024, such as the BRICS Games, the Summer Children of Asia Games and the World Friendship Games.
Our talks have reaffirmed that Russia and China have similar or identical views on many international and regional issues.
Both countries have an independent and sovereign foreign policy. We are working together to create a fairer and more democratic multipolar world order based on the central role of the UN and its Security Council, international law, cultural and civilizational diversity, as well as a calibrated balance of interests of all members of the international community.
Acting from these positions, Russia and China are fruitfully working together in BRICS, where Russia is holding chairmanship this year, and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the chairmanship of which China will take over in July. Of course, our countries are resolved to continue working to align integration processes underway within the framework of the EAEU with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to ultimately creating a Greater Eurasian Partnership.
This is why our countries call for renovating global economic governance, for reforming and depoliticising multilateral institutes, such as the World Trade Organisation, G20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and for adjusting them to modern realities.
We believe that it is necessary to create a reliable and appropriate security architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region, which has no place for closed military-political alliances. We believe that the creation of such alliances is extremely harmful and counterproductive.
We have agreed with President Xi Jinping to hold a detailed discussion of the entire range of foreign policy issues at an information meeting this evening. For my part, I will certainly update the President of the People’s Republic of China on the situation with the Ukraine crisis. We are grateful to our Chinese friends and colleagues for their initiatives on the settlement of that problem.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The agenda of this state visit is very intense. Today, I will attend several more events jointly with President Xi Jinping and hold a meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang. Tomorrow, the Russian delegation will visit Harbin to attend the opening ceremony of the 8th Russia-China Expo and the 4th Russian-Chinese Forum on Interregional Cooperation. In addition, we will meet with the students and faculty of the Harbin Institute of Technology.
Colleagues,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Xi Jinping and all our Chinese colleagues for their hospitality. I believe that this visit and talks will help strengthen Russian-Chinese friendship and will boost the well-being and prosperity of our nations.
Thank you.
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin
May 17 (MFA) — On the morning of May 16, President Xi Jinping held a restrictive meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
President Xi Jinping welcomed the distinguished President and his old friend to China for a state visit. As President Putin has been sworn in as the President of Russia for the fifth term, President Xi extended heartfelt congratulations to President Putin and the people of Russia, and expressed his belief that under President Putin’s leadership, Russia will surely make new and greater progress in national development.
Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the China-Russia diplomatic ties is a defining theme of the bilateral relationship this year. Having lasted three quarters of a century, China-Russia relations have grown from strength to strength despite the ups and downs, and have stood the test of changing international landscape. The relationship has become a fine example for major countries and neighboring countries to treat each other with respect and candor, and pursue friendship and mutual benefit. Over the years, he and President Putin have met more than 40 times and stayed in close communication, providing strategic guidance that has ensured the sound, steady and smooth development of the relationship. The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it.
Steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large. On the new journey, China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other’s good neighbor, good friend and good partner that trust each other, continue to consolidate the lasting friendship between the two peoples, and jointly pursue respective national development and revitalization and uphold fairness and justice in the world.
Chinese premier meets Putin on bilateral ties
BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia have been developing bilateral relations on the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. He added that their practical cooperation in various fields has been steadily promoted, people-to-people and sub-national exchanges have flourished, and public support for friendly relations between the two countries has been increasingly consolidated, setting an example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major countries.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties, Li said China is willing to work with Russia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, consolidate and carry forward their long-standing friendship, deepen cooperation in various fields, promote the common development of China and Russia, better benefit the two peoples, and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Li said China is ready to work with Russia to further synergy and deepen cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, promote regional integration and the development of regional economic integration, enhance trade liberalization and facilitation, and deepen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, energy and connectivity.
The two sides should take the China-Russia Years of Culture as an opportunity to further promote cooperation in the fields of cultural tourism, sports, youth, medical and health care, and continuously enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Li said.
Putin said Russia-China relations are based on mutual equality, mutual benefit and win-win results, and conform to the interests of the two countries and two peoples.
Noting that Russia-China relations have reached the highest level, Putin said Russia is willing to work with China to take the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, energy, agriculture and infrastructure construction, make the Russia-China Years of Culture a success, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era to a new level.
Xi, Putin attend opening ceremony of China-Russia Years of Culture
BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Culture and a special concert celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties on Thursday in Beijing.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties, Xi said that the history of China-Russia relations over the past three quarters of a century shows that consolidating and developing bilateral lasting good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and conform to the expectations of the international community and the trend of the times, which has irreplaceable significance.
Xi said that holding theme years in each other’s countries has become a fine tradition of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Russia, as well as a feature and highlight in the history of bilateral relations, which has been widely welcomed by the two peoples.
“Last year, President Putin and I agreed to make 2024 and 2025 the China-Russia Years of Culture. The two sides officially launched this cultural event today,” Xi said, adding that the two countries will hold a series of cultural exchange programs to further release the potential of bilateral cultural cooperation and jointly open up a new future of China-Russia cultural exchanges.
It is believed that it will inject new impetus into the course of carrying forward China-Russia friendship from generation to generation and enhancing mutual understanding and building a closer bond between the two peoples, Xi said.
Xi sends congratulatory letter to 8th China-Russia Expo
BEIJING, May 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday sent a congratulatory letter to the eighth China-Russia Expo.
The expo opened in Harbin, capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on the same day.
Xi said that with the joint efforts of the two countries, China-Russia relations have made solid progress step by step and delivered tangible cooperation outcomes to the benefit of the two peoples.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic ties, Xi noted, saying that standing at a new historical starting point, bilateral relations will embrace new historical opportunities and show broader prospects for development.
Stressing that after years of cultivation and development, the China-Russia Expo has become an important platform for promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Xi added it is hoped that all sectors of the two countries will make full use of the opportunity presented by the current China-Russia Expo to deepen exchanges and share opportunities, jointly contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia, and inject new impetus into the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
With a theme of “cooperation, mutual trust, and opportunities,” the eighth China-Russia Expo is jointly hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Heilongjiang provincial government, Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, and its Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Chinese VP, Putin attend opening ceremony of 8th China-Russia Expo
HARBIN, May 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony of the 8th China-Russia Expo in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Friday.
Han also read out Chinese President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the expo and made a speech at the opening ceremony.
Han said that President Xi and President Putin met in Beijing on Thursday and jointly drew a new vision and blueprint for the development of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations, Han said, noting that China and Russia have deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful economic and trade cooperation.
In 2023, the trade volume between China and Russia reached a record 240.1 billion U.S. dollars, and China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. The scale of two-way investment continues to grow, and cooperation on major projects in energy, chemical industry, aerospace and connectivity has made steady progress, said Han.
He noted that mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia has not only benefited the two countries and peoples, but also injected new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.
China is willing to work with Russia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and seize opportunities, to add impetus to the high-quality development of bilateral relations, Han said.
In his speech, Putin said he had a fruitful meeting with President Xi in Beijing and reached important consensus for the development of bilateral relations and the expansion of practical cooperation.
Noting that Russia cherishes the tradition of friendly cooperation with China, Putin expressed the hope that the two sides will tap the potential and actively leverage the role of the expo to push for new progress in bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, energy, industry, high and new technology, cross-border transportation, tourism, agriculture and local affairs, to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
After the opening ceremony, Han met with Putin.
Han said China-Russia cooperation has enjoyed a sound momentum in recent years.
The Belt and Road Initiative has been further aligned with the Eurasian Economic Union, and a number of major projects have been smoothly advanced, Han said, adding that the China-Russia Expo was a beautiful “business card” of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
It is believed that with the joint efforts of the two sides, bilateral cooperation will surely achieve more results, benefit the two peoples and contribute to world development and progress, Han said.
For his part, Putin called on the two sides to closely coordinate and cooperate, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, further promote local cooperation between Russia’s far east and China’s northeast region, and push for better development of bilateral relations.
Han and Putin then toured the exhibition hall together, listened to the introduction of cooperation between the two countries, and interacted with the heads of participating institutions.
Memorial plaque honoring former Soviet expert to China unveiled in Russia
KALUGA, Russia, May 16 (Xinhua) — A memorial plaque commemorating the former head of the Soviet expert group to China Ivan Vasilievich Arkhipov was unveiled in the Russian city of Kaluga on Wednesday.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from China and Russia as well as Arkhipov’s descendants.
At the ceremony, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Moscow Liu Qinghua noted that Arkhipov significantly contributed to helping New China revitalize its national economy and achieve the goals of the first Five-Year Plan, adding that he made unremitting efforts to consolidate and continue the friendship between the two peoples.
“The unveiling of this commemorative plaque enables us to further strengthen the resolve and confidence in carrying forward and deepening the great friendship between the two countries,” Liu said.
Vice-Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society Kirill Barsky told Xinhua that the unveiling of the plaque holds great significance.
“We will remember the contribution that Arkhipov has made to the development of our relations for many years to come. We will pass this memory on from generation to generation,” he said.
Arkhipov led the work of the former Soviet expert group to China in the 1950s. He has received multiple awards from both countries for his contribution to the bilateral ties. Arkhipov died in 1998.
One thought on “Putin in China: A new world is taking shape before our eyes and becoming multipolar”