President Putin makes historic 25th visit to China

Testifying to the exceptionally close friendly relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to China, May 19-20, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. It was the Russian leader’s 25^th visit to China since he first assumed the presidency of his country.

President Putin arrived in Beijing at night on May 19 and was warmly welcomed at the airport by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the political bureau of the central committee of the Communist Party of China. The substantive business of the visit was conducted throughout an intense May 20.

On the morning of May 20, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The talks were held consecutively in small and large group formats and the two presidents agreed to further extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.

According to the report published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. The signing of the treaty established by law the institutional foundation of long-term good-neighbourliness, friendship and comprehensive strategic coordination. Since then, the bilateral relationship has achieved leapfrog development. China-Russia relations have come this far step by step, “precisely because we have kept deepening political mutual trust and strategic coordination with unyielding tenacity, expanded all-round cooperation with a drive to always scale new heights, and defended international justice and fairness and advanced the building of a community with a shared future for humanity with unflappable resolve. Under the current international situation, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and important major countries in the world, China and Russia should take a strategic and long-term perspective, drive the development and revitalisation of our respective countries through comprehensive strategic coordination of even higher quality, and work to make the global governance system more just and equitable. The two sides should deepen multilateral coordination, further increase coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), BRICS and APEC, unswervingly uphold the postwar international order and the authority of international law, unite the Global South, and steer the reform of the global governance system in the right direction.”

President Putin said that Russia-China cooperation is an important stabilising factor in the turbulent international environment. Russia is ready to continue to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, support China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, jointly enhance the standing and influence of the SCO, strengthen BRICS unity and coordination, uphold the authority of the UN, advocate diversity of civilisations, and make the international order more just and equitable.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed and issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Coordination and Deepening Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation and witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents in such areas as economy and trade, education, and science and technology.

During the course of the visit, the two sides also issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Advocating a Multipolar World and New Type of International Relations and agreed a further 20 cooperation documents in other areas.

According to its normal practice, the official website of the President of Russia released the text of the opening remarks of the two leaders.

In the initial small group meeting, Xi Jinping said: “Today, unilateralism and hegemonic aspirations are rampant, with chaos reigning supreme in international affairs. But this has done nothing to deter people from their aspiration to promote peace, development and cooperation. This reflects the spirit of our time.

“As permanent members of the UN Security Council and two great world powers, China and Russia must be guided by their long-term interests in achieving national revival by promoting and enhancing their comprehensive strategic cooperation and building a just and equitable global system of governance.”

Vladimir Putin responded: “There is a fitting saying in China, which reads: ‘One day apart feels like three autumns’. We are truly happy to see you. We constantly seek to coordinate our positions personally, as well as through our aides and governments… Today, our relations have reached an unprecedented level and are a model of a truly comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation… Our interaction and economic cooperation are showing strong growth despite unfavourable external factors. Over the past 25 years, our trade has increased more than 30-fold and has confidently exceeded US$200 billion for the past few years. Russian-Chinese energy cooperation is the driver of our economic interaction. Russia remains a reliable supplier of resources amid the Middle East crisis, while China acts as a responsible consumer of these resources…

“Our cooperation in foreign policy is one of the main stabilising factors on the international stage. A difficult process of shaping a polycentric world based on a balance of interests of all countries is underway. We are working together with our Chinese friends to uphold cultural and civilisational diversity and respect for the sovereign development of states, trying to build a more just and democratic world order. Our close connection is especially relevant in the current complicated situation on the international stage. We are strengthening our coordination at the UN, BRICS, the G20 and other venues. We will continue our close interaction with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I am confident that this year we will appropriately celebrate the 25th anniversary of the SCO, which has become an excellent example of fair problem resolution and facilitated integration in our common vast region.

“We wholeheartedly support China’s presidency of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this year. I would also like to reaffirm our readiness to take part in the APEC summit, which will be held in Shenzhen in November 2026. And of course, we would like to invite you, dear friend, to visit the Russian Federation next year.”

In the expanded format meeting, Xi Jinping said: “The relations between our two countries have entered a new stage of accelerated development with even greater effectiveness. The unwavering commitment to promoting long-term, healthy, stable and quality development in the relations between China and Russia is a strategic choice. We made this choice together with President Putin based on the mutual interests of our two countries and considering global development trends… This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan for the country’s national development. China reaffirms its commitment to emerging as a mighty power and reviving the Chinese nation by promoting China-style modernisation. We are committed to becoming increasingly open to the outside world at a high level while sharing our development opportunities with Russia and other countries around the world to build a prosperous future for the humankind.”

Vladimir Putin responded: “The Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era serves as a model of interstate relations in the modern world. It is founded on the principles of equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests, mutual support, friendship and genuine good neighbourliness. Our goal is the well-being and prosperity of the Russian and Chinese peoples. These enduring foundations have repeatedly enabled our relationship to withstand tests of strength and resilience.”

Following their meetings, the two leaders met the press together.

President Xi noted that this is President Putin’s 25th visit to China, which speaks volumes about the high level and uniqueness of China‑Russia relations. “I have just held in‑depth, friendly and fruitful talks with President Putin, engaging in strategic communication on a series of major issues. Together, we signed the joint statement on further strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination and deepening good‑neighbourliness and friendly cooperation and witnessed the conclusion of a number of important bilateral cooperation documents. The two countries will also issue the joint statement on advocating a multipolar world and new type of international relations.”

Xi stressed that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China‑Russia strategic partnership of coordination. Over the past three decades, the China‑Russia relationship has kept progressing with the times amid changing international dynamics. It has been growing in stature and now stands at the highest level in history as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, setting a prime example of a new type of major‑country relationship. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good‑Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. Over the years, the two countries have always adhered to the treaty’s established principle of non‑alliance, non‑confrontation and not targeting any third party, and stayed committed to equality, mutual respect, good faith and win‑win cooperation, making important contributions to safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting a new type of international relations, and serving as a vital constant amid century‑defining changes sweeping across the world.

Among the proposals advanced by Xi were that:

We should build higher‑quality political mutual trust and give each other firm strategic support. Political mutual trust is the most prominent feature of the China‑Russia relationship and the purpose and fundamental principle of the Treaty of Good‑Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. President Putin and I have jointly decided to extend this treaty again. The two sides should build on past tradition and forge ahead, further strengthen mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, continuously enhance strategic communication and exchanges at all levels, and consolidate the foundation of the political mutual trust.

We should empower higher‑quality mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly advance our two countries’ development and revitalisation. In recent years, China and Russia have made big strides and achieved many positive outcomes in our cooperation in all fields. Two‑way trade has exceeded US$200 billion for the third consecutive year, and in the first four months of this year, bilateral trade grew by nearly 20 percent. The two sides should seize the momentum, deepen the synergy between China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan for economic and social development and Russia’s development strategy through 2030, and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, so as to serve the development and revitalisation of both countries.

We should pursue higher‑quality international coordination to reform and improve global governance. Today’s world is far from a tranquil place. Unilateralism and hegemonism have brought severe harm and the world risks regressing to the law of the jungle. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia must work steadfastly as responsible major countries, safeguard the authority of the UN and international fairness and justice, oppose all unilateral acts of bullying and attempts to reverse the course of history, and especially oppose all provocative acts that deny the outcomes of the victory of World War II and attempt to justify and revive fascism and militarism, and work together to shape a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Putin said that the Russia‑China relationship is now at an unprecedented high level. The two countries have consistently acted in a spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual assistance and mutual support and continuously deepened bilateral cooperation. The growth of this relationship is powered by strong inherent drivers, and the cooperation between the two countries does not target any third party, nor is it swayed by geopolitical changes.

He added: “Regarding our talks today, they were held in a traditionally warm, comradely and constructive atmosphere. We held in-depth discussions on all key aspects of our bilateral cooperation. The joint statement we have signed following these talks outlines the priority spheres of our interaction. We have signed a large package, or more precisely about 40 intergovernmental, interagency and corporate documents… Many of these focus on the further deepening of our economic cooperation…

“President Xi Jinping and I have exchanged views on pressing international issues, following which a joint declaration was adopted confirming the shared fundamental approaches of our two countries. The key point is this: Russia and China are committed to an independent and sovereign foreign policy, act in close strategic coordination, and play an important stabilising role on the global stage.

“We work together for peace and shared prosperity. In this spirit, Moscow and Beijing jointly uphold international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection and cooperate effectively within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other international structures, making a significant contribution to addressing pressing global and regional challenges…

“We will, of course, continue to closely coordinate our positions in other multilateral formats as well, including the G20, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the New Development Bank. We intend to promote the alignment of integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to forming a Greater Eurasian Partnership.”

Both leaders also delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education.

Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. Against this backdrop, he and President Putin made the strategic decision to launch the Years of Education to mark such a year of special significance, with a view to enhancing the long-term development of China-Russia relations. “Education is an important bridge connecting peoples’ hearts and carrying forward friendship between countries. It is a noble cause that will benefit not only the present generation but many more to come.”

“Both in Russia and in China, there is a deep understanding that high-quality education is the bedrock of individual development and of society as a whole – of people’s ability to realise their potential and to advance professionally. Without it, economic progress is inconceivable, and it is impossible to build a truly cohesive, strong and genuinely sovereign state.

“Allow me to quote a prominent Russian educator Konstantin Ushinsky. He wrote: ‘One of the primary tasks of education is to introduce each new generation to humanity’s shared endeavour – its endless striving towards the highest good.’ I am confident that our Chinese friends share this outlook. That is why our two countries will continue to jointly expand and deepen our cooperation in education, drawing on the considerable experience we have built up through mutually beneficial and enriching collaboration…

“The Years’ program naturally encompasses the humanities and historical sciences. I consider it fundamentally important that the Russian Historical Society and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences have commenced work on a comprehensive, large-scale study of the Second World War. It will be devoted to the decisive role of our countries in the victory over Nazism and Japanese militarism, and to the inadmissibility of distorting historical truth.”

In the evening, the two heads of state attended together the photo exhibition “China-Russia Everlasting Friendship: A Model of Major-Country Relations”, which was jointly organised by the Xinhua News Agency and Russia’s TASS news agency.

Also in the evening, the two leaders met over tea.

President Xi noted that he has maintained close interactions with President Putin over the years. Together, they have ensured the sustained and substantive growth of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, strengthened popular support for the good neighbourliness and friendship between the two countries, created a new paradigm of major-country relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and provided much needed stability to a fluid and turbulent world. Today, the two leaders have reached new and important consensus on promoting the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. As a Chinese saying goes, “Those who take real actions are more likely to succeed, and those who hit the road are more likely to reach the destination.” It is trusted that with unremitting efforts from both sides, China-Russia relations will keep the momentum of high-quality development and continue to scale new heights.

“So, I would like to congratulate you on a very successful visit. Even though it only lasted a day, the outcomes are extensive and significant. I think that really shows the genuine, historic importance of the relationship between our two nations.”

Vladimir Putin also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

The premier said China is ready to join hands with the Russian side to expand trade, implement the upgraded bilateral investment pact, and deepen cooperation in fields such as energy, agriculture, connectivity, and green and low-carbon development. China is also willing to work alongside the Russian side to strengthen the alignment between Belt and Road cooperation and the Eurasian Economic Union, while ensuring the safe, stable and high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express.

President Putin said: “Today’s discussions with President Xi Jinping were highly substantive, productive, and constructive. A substantial package of documents was signed, including joint statements by the heads of state that outline common approaches and areas of cooperation across virtually all key sectors, without exaggeration…

“We will continue to expand trade cooperation in line with the long-term strategies that have been approved, above all the Plan for Russian-Chinese Economic Cooperation until 2030. One of our key priorities is to ensure that our cooperation is reliably protected from negative external influence. The near-total use of national currencies in bilateral settlements greatly contributes to this goal.

“Our agenda includes the implementation of a broad range of joint sectoral projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, transport, and logistics. Rapidly evolving digital innovation and artificial intelligence technologies are opening up new opportunities for the economic development of our countries.

“Humanitarian ties are also developing actively, including in culture, cinema, sport, and youth and tourism exchanges. This has undoubtedly been facilitated by the decision, adopted at the initiative of our Chinese friends, to introduce a reciprocal visa-free regime. This benefits both tourists and those engaged in practical cooperation across a wide range of fields.”

One unexpected and touching part of the visit was the Russian leader’s meeting with Peng Pai, a private Chinese citizen. Putin had posed for a photograph with him in Beijing’s Beihai Park in July 2000, in a surprise encounter during his first state visit to China. The visit to Bohai Park had not been on the planned itinerary for the visit. Peng was 12 years old at the time. Subsequently, Peng Pai developed an interest in Russian culture and science and studied in Moscow.

Vladimir Putin greeted Peng: “It is lovely to see you. First of all, I want to thank the journalists who managed to track you down. To be honest, this meeting comes as a huge surprise to me – a very pleasant one, I should say.

“I watched the footage of our previous meeting, that chance encounter all those years ago, and it brought back memories. It was quite moving. I was especially pleased to hear that you later decided to study in Russia and ended up in Moscow.”

Peng Pai responded: “For me too, this is a huge surprise that after 26 years, I have the chance to see you again. To be honest, I feel like I am in a dream. It is stranger than science fiction.

“While I was studying in Russia, I received a lot of warmth from my professors and fellow students. I also gained a great deal of professional knowledge and came to appreciate Russia’s rigorous scientific approach to education.”

After telling the Russian leader that he had been born in Hunan province and had returned to work there after his studies in Moscow, Putin responded that, “as I recall, it is also the birthplace of the founder of the modern Chinese state, Mao Zedong”, further noting that it was on May 20 in 1970 that the Chinese leader had “called on the whole world to fight against American imperialism.

“That said, our meeting today falls on a momentous date, but our friendship with China is not directed against anyone. We are not fighting anyone. We are simply pursuing our own interests and following our own development path. What is more, we are ready to cooperate with everyone, with all our global partners, including the United States.

“Today we discussed this with President Xi Jinping. I am very pleased to see that, having received your education in Russia, you are successfully building your professional career in your home country under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China.”

Peng Pai responded: “I sincerely hope our meetings will continue and that there will be new opportunities for them, as well as to strengthen ties between Russia and China. I also hope Chinese companies will continue to participate actively in Russia’s development. I know that our companies are already involved in the construction of the Moscow metro.”

Having successfully concluded his visit, President Putin left Beijing by air at night on May 20.

Naturally much commentary on President Putin’s visit makes much of it occurring less than a week after that made by US President Donald Trump. The detailed nature and content of the numerous agreements reached during the Russian leader’s visit alone are more than sufficient evidence to refute any suggestion that the latter was simply and hastily arranged with regard to the former. Moreover, in actual content and outcome the two visits could scarcely have been more different. In the case of the former, thanks to China’s immense diplomatic skills and patience, a deterioration in the relationship between the two powers was prevented for now and the situation was possibly stabilised to a certain extent. However, differences, particularly on the vital questions of Taiwan and the conflict in West Asia, were on clear display. Aside from some relatively modest commercial deals – for which Trump brought almost the entire first division of the US monopoly capitalist class – no agreements were reached and each side even had to be content with issuing their own, rather than agreed, accounts of their discussions. What a contrast to the 40 agreements and two extremely important joint declarations that marked President Putin’s visit, highlighting once again not only the all-sided and comprehensive character of their bilateral relations but even more importantly their identical or near-identical positions on all major international issues.

The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the President of Russia and by the Xinhua News Agency.

President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

May 20 (MFA) – On the morning of May 20, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two presidents agreed to further extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

The two presidents held small and large group talks.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. The signing of the treaty established by law the institutional foundation of long-term good-neighborliness, friendship and comprehensive strategic coordination. Since then, the bilateral relationship has achieved leapfrog development. China-Russia relations have come this far step by step, precisely because we have kept deepening political mutual trust and strategic coordination with unyielding tenacity, expanded all-round cooperation with a drive to always scale new heights, and defended international justice and fairness and advanced the building of a community with a shared future for humanity with unflappable resolve. Under the current international situation, as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and important major countries in the world, China and Russia should take a strategic and long-term perspective, drive the development and revitalization of our respective countries through comprehensive strategic coordination of even higher quality, and work to make the global governance system more just and equitable.

President Xi noted that China and Russia have developed the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era on the basis of equality, mutual respect, good faith, and win-win cooperation. Political mutual trust has further deepened, cooperation in various areas such as economy and trade, investment, energy, science and technology, people-to-people and subnational exchanges has continued to advance, and the bonds between the two peoples have grown stronger. The China-Russia relationship has entered a new stage of greater achievements and faster development. Steadfastly promoting the long-term, sound, steady and high-quality development of China-Russia relations is a strategic choice the two sides have made in the fundamental interests of the two countries and following the prevailing trend of the world. Various departments of the two countries must fully and effectively deliver on the important common understandings President Putin and I have reached, fully seize the historic opportunities, and work to further solidify the foundation of mutual trust, enrich the substance of cooperation, and create an even brighter prospect for China-Russia friendship.

President Xi stressed that the two sides should focus on the development and revitalization of our respective countries, fully leverage the comprehensive and well-established cooperation mechanisms, strengthen the overall planning for cooperation in all areas, upgrade practical cooperation in economy and trade, investment, energy and resources, transportation, science, technology and innovation and other areas, actively explore cooperation in frontier areas, and cultivate new growth engines with new quality productive forces. The two sides should carry forward our longstanding friendship, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, culture, film, tourism and sports, and solidify public support for friendship between the two countries. The two sides should deepen multilateral coordination, further increase coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the U.N., the SCO, BRICS and APEC, unswervingly uphold the postwar international order and the authority of international law, unite the Global South, and steer the reform of the global governance system in the right direction.

President Putin said that with joint efforts, Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented level. High-level exchanges are close and political mutual trust is strong. Bilateral trade has been increasing steadily, energy supply and demand mutually beneficial, and cooperation in such areas as transportation, logistics and science and technology further deepened. People-to-people exchanges have maintained a sound momentum, with the Russia-China Years of Education to be launched following the successful Russia-China Years of Culture. Russia-China relations have stood the test of time and grown even stronger, becoming a model for comprehensive strategic coordination. The Treaty on Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation has laid a solid legal foundation for bilateral ties, and holds greater relevance under the current circumstances. Russia is ready to work with China to uphold the spirit of the Treaty, step up strategic coordination and practical cooperation, and bring bilateral relations to an even higher level. Russia-China cooperation is an important stabilizing factor in the turbulent international environment. Russia is ready to continue to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, support China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, jointly enhance the standing and influence of the SCO, strengthen BRICS unity and coordination, uphold the authority of the U.N., advocate diversity of civilizations, and make the international order more just and equitable.

The two heads of state exchanged views on the Middle East situation and other major international and regional issues.

The two heads of state heard progress reports from the co-chairs of the deputy prime ministerial level subcommittees under the framework of the China-Russia prime ministers’ regular meeting mechanism regarding cooperation in areas such as investment, energy, economy and trade, Northeast China and the Russian Far East, and people-to-people exchanges. The two foreign ministers reported on China-Russia coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs.

Following the talks, the two heads of state signed and issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Coordination and Deepening Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents in such areas as economy and trade, education, and science and technology.

During the visit, the two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Advocating a Multipolar World and New Type of International Relations, and reached 20 cooperation documents in other areas.

The two heads of state also jointly met the press.

Prior to the talks, President Xi held a welcome ceremony for President Putin on the square outside the eastern entrance of the Great Hall of the People.

As President Putin arrived, honor guards lined up in salutation. After the two presidents stepped onto the reviewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Russia. A 21-gun salute was performed on the Tian’anmen Square. President Putin reviewed the guard of honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watched the march-past in President Xi’s company.

On the same evening, President Xi held a welcoming banquet for President Putin in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Shen Yiqin, and others attended the events.

Conversation with President of China Xi Jinping

May 20 (President of Russia) – Taking part in the conversation on the Russian side were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Investment Cooperation Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Far East and the Baikal Region of Russia and the Northeast of the People’s Republic of China Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Regular Meetings Between Heads of Government Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Aide to the President Yury Ushakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the People’s Republic of China Igor Morgulov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller, Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the Development Strategy for the Fuel and Energy Sector and Environmental Safety, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Energy Business Forum, President and CEO of Rosneft Igor Sechin, and Chair of the Russia-China Business Council Gennady Timchenko.

* * *

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): President Putin, my long-time friend,

I am glad to welcome you to China on this official visit.

You and I have maintained close ties for many years by working together to define avenues for generating enhanced and fruitful momentum in the development of the China-Russia relationship as a comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in a new era. The centuries-old friendship and neighbourly contacts are becoming increasingly entrenched in the hearts of our people.

The paradigm for forging interstate relations of a new kind based on mutual respect, justice and mutually beneficial cooperation consistently contributes to promoting the much-needed stability and predictability in a chaotic world.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of establishing our partnership and strategic cooperation, as well as the 25^th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.

China and Russia have achieved a high level in their relations by advancing on a step-by-step basis, which has been made possible by our unwavering commitment to constantly deepening mutual trust in politics and enhancing our strategic cooperation, as well as our proactive approach to expanding our multi-pronged cooperation, and the courageous and bold approach to asserting international justice aimed at creating a community with a shared future despite all the international turbulence.

Today, unilateralism and hegemonic aspirations are rampant, with chaos reigning supreme in international affairs. But this has done nothing to deter people from their aspiration to promote peace, development and cooperation. This reflects the spirit of our time.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council and two great world powers, China and Russia must be guided by their long-term interests in achieving national revival by promoting and enhancing their comprehensive strategic cooperation and building a just and smart global system of governance.

Thank you.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, Mr Xi Jinping, my dear friend,

There is a fitting saying in China, which reads: ‘One day apart feels like three autumns’. We are truly happy to see you. We constantly seek to coordinate our positions personally, as well as through our aides and governments.

I hold warm memories of the opportunity we had last year when you and I marked the 80^th anniversary of Victory in World War II here in China.

Our two countries signed the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation 25 years ago. This is a major interstate instrument that provides a foundation for promoting cooperation in all areas. It has remained relevant to this day.

Today, our relations have reached an unprecedented level and are a model of a truly comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.

It is therefore not surprising that our delegation includes many members of the Russian Government, business leaders, and representatives of public and educational establishments.

As we have agreed with Mr President, we will begin our work by discussing the key issues of our bilateral interaction, primarily in the economy, after which our delegations will join our conversation, as Mr President has proposed.

Our interaction and economic cooperation are showing strong growth despite unfavourable external factors. Over the past 25 years, our trade has increased more than 30-fold and has confidently exceeded US$200 billion for the past few years.

Russian-Chinese energy cooperation is the driver of our economic interaction. Russia remains a reliable supplier of resources amid the Middle East crisis, while China acts as a responsible consumer of these resources.

Our priorities include major joint projects in industry, agriculture, transport and high technology, of course.

Our humanitarian ties are growing just as energetically. The successful Cross Years of Culture will be followed by the Cross Years of Cooperation in Education. It is the 10^th interstate thematic cross-year project, which we will launch today.

The development of our humanitarian contacts has been boosted by the mutual regime of visa-free travel for our citizens, which has been introduced at your initiative, my dear friend. We will certainly continue with this practice.

Our cooperation in foreign policy is one of the main stabilising factors on the international stage. A difficult process of shaping a polycentric world based on a balance of interests of all countries is underway.

We are working together with our Chinese friends to uphold cultural and civilisational diversity and respect for the sovereign development of states, trying to build a more just and democratic world order. Our close connection is especially relevant in the current complicated situation on the international stage. We are strengthening our coordination at the UN, BRICS, the G20 and other venues. We will continue our close interaction with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. I am confident that this year we will appropriately celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the SCO, which has become an excellent example of fair problem resolution and facilitated integration in our common vast region.

We wholeheartedly support China’s presidency of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this year. I would also like to reaffirm our readiness to take part in the APEC summit, which will be held in Shenzhen in November 2026.

And of course, we would like to invite you, dear friend, to visit the Russian Federation next year.

Thank you.

Russia-China talks in expanded format

May 20 (President of Russia) – President of the PRC Xi Jinping (retranslated): President Putin,

Once again, I would like to extend my wholehearted welcome to you and all our Russian friends.

Over the past years, and against the backdrop of the challenges in international affairs, China and Russia, being guided by the principles of equality and mutual respect, as well as their commitment to fulfilling their obligations and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation, have been building a relationship of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in a new era. We have been deepening our mutual trust in politics and stepping up cooperation in trade, the economy, investment, energy, science and technology, cultural and humanitarian exchanges and region-to-region cooperation. There is constant positive momentum in forging closer people-to-people ties as well.

The relations between our two countries have entered a new stage of accelerated development with even greater effectiveness. The unwavering commitment to promoting long-term, healthy, stable and quality development in the relations between China and Russia is a strategic choice. We made this choice together with President Putin based on the mutual interests of our two countries and considering global development trends.

President Putin and I have spoken in one voice in support of renewing the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia. It is up to our two countries to fulfil the agreements President Putin and I have reached and to make full use of the historical opportunities in order to further consolidate the foundation of mutual trust between us while reaching new heights in terms of the quality of our cooperation and new breadth in the path to enhance our friendship.

This year marks the beginning of the 15^th Five-Year Plan for the country’s national development. China reaffirms its commitment to emerging as a mighty power and reviving the Chinese nation by promoting China-style modernisation. We are committed to becoming increasingly open to the outside world at a high level while sharing our development opportunities with Russia and other countries around the world to build a prosperous future for the humankind.

I pass the floor to you.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Xi Jinping, colleagues, friends,

First of all, allow me to thank you and all our Chinese friends for the warm welcome, for the invitation and for the hospitality extended to us.

We have just held substantive talks in a traditionally friendly and trusting atmosphere that characterises our relations, discussing important issues of bilateral cooperation in a restricted format. We will now continue our discussions in an expanded format.

As is customary, the co-chairs of the five intergovernmental commissions – the deputy prime ministers – will report on their work, while our foreign ministers will speak about coordination on the international stage.

The Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era serves as a model of interstate relations in the modern world. It is founded on the principles of equality and mutual respect for each other’s interests, mutual support, friendship and genuine good neighbourliness.

Our goal is the well-being and prosperity of the Russian and Chinese peoples. These enduring foundations have repeatedly enabled our relationship to withstand tests of strength and resilience.

Over the 25 years since the signing of the landmark Treaty on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, Russia-China engagement has expanded significantly. Our specialised agencies maintain close and constructive contacts and are actively working to further advance joint projects and initiatives.

We are determined to continue working together in the same spirit. We will continue to develop our bilateral cooperation and to work actively on international platforms, where our colleagues, in close coordination with one another, are creating a strong foundation for sustainable development and for the advancement of a multipolar world.

Thank you very much.

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Meet the Press

May 20 (MFA) – On the afternoon of May 20, 2026, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly met the press after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi noted that this is President Putin’s 25th visit to China, which speaks volumes about the high level and uniqueness of China‑Russia relations. I have just held in‑depth, friendly and fruitful talks with President Putin, engaging in strategic communication on a series of major issues. Together, we signed the joint statement on further strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination and deepening good‑neighborliness and friendly cooperation, and witnessed the conclusion of a number of important bilateral cooperation documents. The two countries will also issue the joint statement on advocating a multipolar world and new type of international relations.

President Xi stressed that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China‑Russia strategic partnership of coordination. Over the past three decades, the China‑Russia relationship has kept progressing with the times amid changing international dynamics. It has been growing in stature and now stands at the highest level in history as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, setting a prime example of a new type of major‑country relationship. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good‑Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. Over the years, the two countries have always adhered to the treaty’s established principle of non‑alliance, non‑confrontation and not targeting any third party, and stayed committed to equality, mutual respect, good faith and win‑win cooperation, making important contributions to safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting a new type of international relations, and serving as a vital constant amid century‑defining changes sweeping across the world.

President Xi pointed out that under the joint strategic guidance of President Putin and myself, China‑Russia relations have reached a new starting point. The two sides should follow the trend of the times toward peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and strive for higher‑quality development of bilateral ties.

First, we should build higher‑quality political mutual trust and give each other firm strategic support. Political mutual trust is the most prominent feature of the China‑Russia relationship and the purpose and fundamental principle of the Treaty of Good‑Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. President Putin and I have jointly decided to extend this treaty again. The two sides should build on past tradition and forge ahead, further strengthen mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, continuously enhance strategic communication and exchanges at all levels, and consolidate the foundation of the political mutual trust.

Second, we should empower higher‑quality mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly advance our two countries’ development and revitalization. In recent years, China and Russia have made big strides and achieved many positive outcomes in our cooperation in all fields. Two‑way trade has exceeded US$200 billion for the third consecutive year, and in the first four months of this year, bilateral trade grew by nearly 20 percent. The two sides should seize the momentum, deepen the synergy between China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan for economic and social development and Russia’s development strategy through 2030, and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, so as to serve the development and revitalization of both countries.

Third, we should promote higher‑quality people‑to‑people connectivity and strengthen the foundation of lasting friendship between the two nations. With the high‑level development of China‑Russia relations, our people‑to‑people exchanges have become increasingly close and the bond between our peoples has grown even stronger. President Putin and I have decided to hold the tenth national theme year, namely the China‑Russia Years of Education, this year and next. The two sides should seize the opportunities to continuously expand two‑way student exchanges, deepen exchanges and cooperation between higher education institutions and research platforms, and achieve more tangible results in such areas as talent cultivation and joint research to tackle key scientific challenges, in order to create more enabling conditions for the continued growth of bilateral ties.

Fourth, we should pursue higher‑quality international coordination to reform and improve global governance. Today’s world is far from a tranquil place. Unilateralism and hegemonism have brought severe harm and the world risks regressing to the law of the jungle. As permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China and Russia must work steadfastly as responsible major countries, safeguard the authority of the U.N. and international fairness and justice, oppose all unilateral acts of bullying and attempts to reverse the course of history, and especially oppose all provocative acts that deny the outcomes of the victory of World War II and attempt to justify and revive fascism and militarism, and work together to shape a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Putin said that my visit came at the important moment of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Russia‑China Treaty of Good‑Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, a treaty that laid the foundation for the comprehensive advancement of bilateral relations. The Russia‑China relationship is now at an unprecedented high level. The two countries have consistently acted in a spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual assistance and mutual support and continuously deepened bilateral cooperation. The growth of this relationship is powered by strong inherent drivers, and the cooperation between the two countries does not target any third party, nor is it swayed by geopolitical changes. President Xi and I had in‑depth exchanges on a wide range of important topics in bilateral relations in a warm and cordial atmosphere, and set the direction for future cooperation. Russia has full confidence in the future of bilateral relations and will work with China to deepen the partnership and good‑neighborly friendship, strengthen people‑to‑people ties, and contribute to each other’s development and revitalization and the well‑being of the two peoples. Russia and China will maintain close strategic coordination on the international stage and work together to safeguard the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and global security and stability.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Shen Yiqin, and others were present.

Press statements following Russia-China talks

May 20 (President of Russia) – Following the talks, Vladimir Putin and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping made statements for the media.

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): Mr President,

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, good afternoon. Mr Putin and I are delighted to meet with you.

This is the 25^th time that President Putin has visited China. That in itself is evidence of the high level and special nature of Chinese-Russian relations. I would like to cordially welcome President Putin and all our Russian colleagues.

President Putin and I have just held in-depth, friendly and fruitful talks and a strategic dialogue on a broad range of vital issues. We have signed a joint Chinese-Russian statement on strengthening our comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction and on deepening our relations of good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation.

A large package of documents on bilateral cooperation has been signed in our presence. We will also publish a Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Multipolar World and a New Type of International Relations.

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Chinese-Russian partnership and strategic interaction. Over the past 30 years, our relations, toughened by wind and rain and keeping up with the times, scaled new heights, ultimately reaching a historical high of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new age, and are justly regarded as an example of a new type of relations between major powers.

This year, we will also mark 25 years of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia. For many years, our countries have been unwaveringly committed to the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting against other countries, as enshrined in that treaty. Firmly guided by the spirit of mutual respect, equality, honesty and justice, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation, we are making a great contribution to protecting international justice and shaping a new type of international relations. This is the key permanent factor in conditions of the largest transformation in centuries.

Friends,

Under our joint strategic guidance – President Putin’s and mine – relations between China and Russia have reached a new milestone. Both sides must keep pace with the defining trends of our time to promote peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and strive to achieve higher-quality growth in the bilateral relationship.

First, we must strengthen high-level political mutual trust and act as each other’s strategic bulwark. Political mutual trust is the hallmark of China-Russia relations. It is enshrined as the fundamental objective and principle in the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which President Putin and I have already jointly decided to extend. We must build on past achievements, break new ground, and continue to offer each other firm and mutual support on matters relating to our respective core interests and key concerns. We must also maintain close strategic dialogue and contacts at various levels, thereby steadily reinforcing political trust between our two nations.

Second, we must inject fresh momentum into high-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation and walk hand in hand along the path of national progress and prosperity.

In recent years, we have consistently been impressed by breakthrough development and remarkable results achieved in our wide-ranging bilateral cooperation. Indeed, our bilateral trade has now exceeded US$200 billion for the third consecutive year. Despite the challenging external environment, mutual trade grew by around 20 percent from January to April this year – an achievement that was by no means easy. We should seize this highly favourable momentum to deepen cooperation in aligning China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan with Russia’s national development goals to 2030, make full use of the stabilising role of our energy cooperation, vigorously develop new growth drivers in the digital economy, artificial intelligence and technological innovation, and foster broad-based, mutually beneficial cooperation, both in scope and in quality, for the sake of our two countries’ national progress and prosperity.

Third, it is imperative to facilitate high-quality communication and exchanges among citizens, thereby laying a solid foundation for the China-Russia friendship for generations to come.

Underpinned by the dynamic development of China-Russia relations, bilateral cultural and humanitarian ties continue to deepen. Cooperation in education, culture, tourism and sport is advancing at full pace.

The China-Russia friendship enjoys ever greater support among young people, and our peoples are drawing closer, while fostering deeper mutual understanding.

President Putin and I have decided to hold the Years of China-Russia Cooperation in Education across this year and next, marking the tenth such interstate project, which we will launch immediately after this meeting.

Within the framework of the Years of Cooperation in Education, it is imperative to continue expanding bilateral student exchanges, strengthen ties and cooperation between universities and research centres, deliver more tangible results in professional training and joint research and development, and establish increasingly favourable conditions for the sustained development of China-Russia relations.

Fourth, it is essential to advance high-quality international cooperation and to reform and improve global governance. This world remains far from tranquil. The damage caused by unilateral actions and hegemony is unprecedented, and the threat of regression to the law of the jungle looms large. In this regard, I have put forward the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind and four global initiatives, which have garnered broad support from the international community, including Russia.

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia will resolutely demonstrate a sense of duty as responsible world powers, safeguard the authority of the UN and international justice, and counter any manifestations of unilateralism and hegemony, as well as attempts to turn back the wheel of history, above all provocative actions aimed at denying the outcomes of the Second World War and reviving the signs of fascism and militarism.

We are ready to work shoulder to shoulder to shape a fairer and more rational system of global governance, walking the path towards the common good in step with the times. The great cause of China–Russia friendship, which answers the call of history and reflects the leitmotif of our era, will undoubtedly move forward with confidence, steadiness and resolve, yielding further bright achievements.

Thank you for your attention.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our dear friend, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, and all our Chinese colleagues for the warm and cordial welcome extended to the Russian delegation.

This official visit is taking place in an anniversary year for Russian-Chinese relations: 25 years ago, we signed a vital interstate treaty of good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation, which provided a solid foundation for the all-round development of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between our two countries.

Russia-China relations have reached a truly unprecedented level and continue to develop. At the same time, our relations are self-sufficient, do not depend on the current international situation, and can serve as an example of relations between nations in this age.

Regarding our talks today, they were held in a traditionally warm, comradely and constructive atmosphere. We held in-depth discussions on all key aspects of our bilateral cooperation. The joint statement we have signed following these talks outlines the priority spheres of our interaction.

We have signed a large package, or more precisely about 40 intergovernmental, interagency and corporate documents. Some of them have been signed here. Many of these focus on the further deepening of our economic cooperation.

I would like to emphasise that Russia and China are important trade partners for each other. In 2025, our trade reached nearly US$240 billion, and its structure has expanded, including due to high added-value goods.

Modern enterprises in both Russia and China have greatly contributed to the growth of mutual trade. Our coordinated actions to transition settlements between them, as well as between our countries in general, to payments in national currencies have been of great importance in this regard. As a result, nearly all Russia-China export-import transactions are made in rubles and yuan. In other words, we have actually created a stable system of mutual trade that is protected from external influence and negative trends in the global markets.

I would like to point out that Russia and China are actively cooperating in the sphere of energy. Our country is one of the largest exporters of oil, natural gas (including LNG) and coal to China. We are definitely ready to continue to ensure reliable and uninterrupted supplies of these types of fuel to the rapidly growing Chinese market.

After the successful completion of the cross years of culture, Russia and China are launching new large-scale intergovernmental humanitarian initiatives, such as the Russia-China Year of Education. Together with President Xi Jinping, as has already been mentioned, we will take part in the ceremony launching these thematic years. The programme of the cross years includes hundreds of diverse events: conferences and seminars, concerts, exhibitions and masterclasses, as well as Olympiads and competitions. The first of these have already taken place and have attracted considerable interest among students and teachers in both Russia and China.

Our country is also actively cooperating in the field of sport. A major highlight will, of course, be the 10^th Russia-China Summer Games, which will begin this weekend in Kaliningrad. This is an excellent opportunity for many talented athletes to showcase their abilities.

Of course, cooperation between Russian and Chinese media organisations continues to strengthen friendship, trust and mutual understanding between our states and peoples. In 2026, we will mark the 70^th anniversary of partnership between TASS and the Chinese news agency Xinhua. On this occasion, a photo exhibition dedicated to the history of Russian-Chinese relations has been organised here in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping and I have exchanged views on pressing international issues, following which a joint declaration was adopted confirming the shared fundamental approaches of our two countries. The key point is this: Russia and China are committed to an independent and sovereign foreign policy, act in close strategic coordination, and play an important stabilising role on the global stage.

We work together for peace and shared prosperity. In this spirit, Moscow and Beijing jointly uphold international law and the provisions of the UN Charter in their entirety and interconnection and cooperate effectively within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other international structures, making a significant contribution to addressing pressing global and regional challenges.

Russia supports the priorities of China’s chairmanship this year in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). We, for our part, will provide all necessary assistance for their practical implementation. I am confident that the upcoming summit in Shenzhen will be productive.

We will, of course, continue to closely coordinate our positions in other multilateral formats as well, including the G20, the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the New Development Bank. We intend to promote the alignment of integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a view to forming a Greater Eurasian Partnership.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

The programme of our visit is extremely intensive. President Xi Jinping and I still have several important events ahead. However, I would already like to sincerely thank my friend, President Xi Jinping, and all our Chinese colleagues for their hospitality and for the excellent organisation of our work. I am confident that this visit and the talks will further strengthen Russian-Chinese friendship and contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our peoples.

Thank you.

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Jointly Attend and Address the Opening Ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education

May 20 (MFA) – On the afternoon of May 20, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The two presidents entered the venue together amid warm applause.

President Xi delivered remarks first. He noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Against this backdrop, he and President Putin made the strategic decision to launch the Years of Education to mark such a year of special significance, with a view to enhancing the long-term development of China-Russia relations. Education is an important bridge connecting peoples’ hearts and carrying forward friendship between countries. It is a noble cause that will benefit not only the present generation but many more to come. Over the years, China-Russia cooperation in education has continued to deepen and yielded notable outcomes, enriching the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. Taking the China-Russia Years of Education as an opportunity, the two sides should continue to build consensus on cooperation, expand areas of cooperation, and enhance the level of cooperation.

President Xi emphasized that a thriving and strong education is the foundation of a thriving and strong nation. China and Russia should deepen cooperation in talent cultivation, jointly nurture world-class professionals, strengthen national capabilities in strategic science and technology, work together to tackle cutting-edge scientific challenges, and boost the innovation-driven development of both countries. The two sides should embrace the vision of mutual learning among civilizations, promote experience sharing in terms of the inheritance of civilization and the governance of education to improve their respective work in these fields. Furthermore, the two sides should carry forward traditional friendship, further tap the potential of education cooperation, and promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples. In particular, they should encourage young people to cement friendship through in-depth exchanges, so as to nurture torchbearers who will take up and carry forward China-Russia friendship for generations to come. With the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Russia Years of Education will surely achieve full success.

President Putin underscored the importance of education cooperation as an indispensable part of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between the two countries, and the milestone significance of launching the Years of Education. He stated that both Russia and China place great importance on education, as it is not only crucial to personal development, but also the foundation of national economic and social progress. The Russia-China Years of Education will feature a rich variety of large-scale events. Russia is prepared to work with China to strengthen cooperation in education, thereby enhancing mutual understanding between the younger generation, ensuring that the cause of Russia-China friendship is carried forward by succeeding generations, and promoting greater development of Russia-China relations.

The two presidents jointly unveiled the emblem of the China-Russia Years of Education.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Shen Yiqin attended the event.

Ceremony launching Cross Years of Russia-China Cooperation in Education

May 20 (President of Russia) – On the afternoon of May 20, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly attended the opening ceremony of the China-Russia Years of Education at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

The two presidents entered the venue together amid warm applause.

The two presidents jointly unveiled the emblem of the China-Russia Years of Education.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Shen Yiqin attended the event.

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Together Attend the Photo Exhibition “China-Russia Everlasting Friendship: A Model of Major-Country Relations”

May 20 (MFA) – On the evening of May 20, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin together attended the photo exhibition “China-Russia Everlasting Friendship: A Model of Major-Country Relations” at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi and President Putin paused from time to time to take a closer look at the photos and listen to the commentary. They recalled with pleasure the moments of friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia in recent years. The two heads of state noted that the great cause of China-Russia friendship is in line with the prevailing trend of history and of the times. It is unbreakable, and will continue to steadily advance forward and write new, splendid chapters.

The photo exhibition is jointly organized by Xinhua News Agency and TASS. It highlights the close interactions between the two heads of state in the new era and demonstrates the solid progress in developing China-Russia good neighborliness and friendly cooperation.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Wang Yi were present.

President Xi Jinping Has a Tea Chat with Russian President Vladimir Putin

May 21 (MFA) – On the evening of May 20, President Xi Jinping had a tea chat with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi noted that he has maintained close interactions with President Putin over the years. Together, they have ensured the sustained and substantive growth of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era, strengthened popular support for the good neighborliness and friendship between the two countries, created a new paradigm of major-country relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation, and provided much needed stability to a fluid and turbulent world. Today, the two leaders have reached new and important consensus on promoting the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. As a Chinese saying goes, “Those who take real actions are more likely to succeed, and those who hit the road are more likely to reach the destination.” It is trusted that with unremitting efforts from both sides, China-Russia relations will keep the momentum of high-quality development, and continue to scale new heights.

President Putin said that this visit has been effective and fruitful. The two leaders together reviewed the history of Russia-China relations, exchanged views on a broad range of issues, and set the direction for bilateral cooperation in the next steps. This will help sustain a robust momentum for Russia-China relations. Russia hopes to maintain close communication and strengthen strategic coordination with China, so as to make new contributions to world peace and prosperity through the certainty and stability of Russia-China relations.

The two heads of state also had an exchange of views on issues including the Ukraine crisis.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present.

Tea reception with Xi Jinping

May 20 (President of Russia) – President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China concluded with a tea reception with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping.

The Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the People’s Republic of China Igor Morgulov.

* * *

President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): Mr President,

Your visit has achieved some very real, solid results. I think it is fair to say it has been a highly successful and productive visit. Over the course of it, we signed – and witnessed the signing of – a large number of joint documents and final agreements.

Most importantly, we signed a joint statement that sets out the cooperation between our countries across a range of key areas. So I would like to congratulate you on a very successful visit. Even though it only lasted a day, the outcomes are extensive and significant. I think that really shows the genuine, historic importance of the relationship between our two nations.

We can continue our conversation and exchange views [on any issues] over tea – please, I would be very happy to.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President,

Thank you for the invitation, and for how well we have worked – you and your team ran a very tight ship.

We have not just taken stock of everything that has been achieved in our bilateral relations over recent years – we have also set out a clear path for future development.

You mentioned that there was a great deal of work done today.

And it is true – now that I look back at every issue and every step along the way, it was very much a process of concrete, substantive effort.

I agree with this assessment: the work we did was successful and intense, and it did bear fruit. I think, we should thank our teams on both sides, who worked very hard to make today’s meeting happen.

Chinese premier meets Russian president

BEIJING, May 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li said that amid an increasingly turbulent international landscape, the China-Russia relationship has remained stable and predictable.

China stands ready to work with Russia to follow the strategic guidance of the two heads of state and elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights, he said.

China is also willing to work alongside the Russian side to strengthen the alignment between Belt and Road cooperation and the Eurasian Economic Union, while ensuring the safe, stable and high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, Li noted.

The premier called on the two sides to deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as youth, culture, tourism and sports. China is ready to strengthen coordination with Russia on multilateral platforms, he added.

Putin said Russia is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, give full play to the prime ministers’ regular meeting mechanism of the two countries, and advance cooperation in fields such as trade, energy, agriculture, transport and logistics, industry, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and sci-tech innovation.

Russia will take the Russia-China Years of Education initiative as an opportunity to expand people-to-people exchanges, said Putin.

Meeting with Premier of the State Council of China Li Qiang

May 20 (President of Russia) – Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang.

Taking part in the meeting on the Russian side were Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Investment Cooperation Denis Manturov, Deputy Prime Minister, Co-chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Humanitarian Cooperation Tatyana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister, Co-chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Energy Cooperation Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and Development of the Far East and the Baikal Region of Russia and the Northeast of the People’s Republic of China Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chair of the Russia-China Intergovernmental Commission on Regular Meetings Between Heads of Government Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office – Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the People’s Republic of China Igor Morgulov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Construction, Housing and Utilities Irek Fayzullin, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov, and Governor of the Central Bank Elvira Nabiullina.

* * *

Premier of the State Council of the PRC Li Qiang (retranslated): In November last year, I attended a meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in Moscow. I am deeply grateful to you and to the Russian side in general for the excellent organisation of the meeting and for your hospitality. I would like to once again express my gratitude for that.

President Xi Jinping has met with you today, and you have charted an ambitious plan for the further development of our bilateral relations.

Chinese-Russian relations maintain stability and predictability against the backdrop of a turbulent international situation. This is extremely important for us, as it allows us to jointly respond to all kinds of challenges and threats.

The Chinese side stands ready to work closely with the Russian side, guided by the agreements reached at the highest level, to deepen political trust and mutual support in order to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights for the benefit of our peoples.

Thank you.

I look forward to hearing your esteemed views, Mr President.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Premier of the State Council,

For my part, I am sincerely pleased to meet with you again. My colleagues and I always value the opportunity to visit hospitable China, and this particular visit carries special significance, especially as this year marks the 25^th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. Built upon the principles of equality, trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit enshrined in this foundational agreement, our relations continue to develop dynamically for the benefit of both nations.

Today’s discussions with President Xi Jinping were highly substantive, productive, and constructive. A substantial package of documents was signed, including joint statements by the heads of state that outline common approaches and areas of cooperation across virtually all key sectors, without exaggeration.

Together with President Xi Jinping, we have established new and ambitious objectives for a qualitatively higher stage of Russian-Chinese cooperation. Over the years of its work, the extensive mechanism of regular meetings between the heads of the two governments, which, incidentally, was established thirty years ago in December 1996, has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness, particularly in implementing the broad range of agreements reached at the highest level. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you and to our colleagues from the State Council of China for the priority attention devoted to strengthening our multifaceted cooperation.

Please also accept the warmest greetings and best wishes from Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Whenever he reports to me on your joint efforts, he invariably highlights your personal commitment to advancing Russian-Chinese relations. The governments of both countries always carry a particularly important responsibility, as they are engaged in highly practical and specific work across a wide range of sectors. We understand this well. The final outcomes depend greatly on your active involvement. We look forward with great anticipation to your visit to Russia.

As I mentioned earlier today, despite a certain adjustment in bilateral trade figures at the end of 2025, trade turnover this year is showing strong growth of more than 10 percent.

We will continue to expand trade cooperation in line with the long-term strategies that have been approved, above all the Plan for Russian-Chinese Economic Cooperation until 2030. One of our key priorities is to ensure that our cooperation is reliably protected from negative external influence. The near-total use of national currencies in bilateral settlements greatly contributes to this goal.

Our agenda includes the implementation of a broad range of joint sectoral projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture, transport, and logistics. Rapidly evolving digital innovation and artificial intelligence technologies are opening up new opportunities for the economic development of our countries.

Humanitarian ties are also developing actively, including in culture, cinema, sport, and youth and tourism exchanges.

This has undoubtedly been facilitated by the decision, adopted at the initiative of our Chinese friends, to introduce a reciprocal visa-free regime. This benefits both tourists and those engaged in practical cooperation across a wide range of fields.

Today, together with President Xi Jinping, we officially launched the Cross Years of Education. I am confident that this new interstate thematic initiative will help raise training and professional development across a broad range of specialisations to a new level, including in advanced industries, thereby helping to guarantee the scientific and technological sovereignty of our countries.

Thank you very much once again.

Meeting with Peng Pai

May 20 (President of Russia) – Vladimir Putin met with Peng Pai, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China. The President had posed for a photograph with him in Beijing’s Beihai Park in July 2000, during his first state visit to China. Subsequently, Peng Pai developed an interest in Russian culture and science; he came to study at MADI, and after graduating, returned to China to work in his home province.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Peng Pai, good afternoon.

Peng Pai: Good afternoon, Mr President.

Vladimir Putin: It is lovely to see you. First of all, I want to thank the journalists who managed to track you down. To be honest, this meeting comes as a huge surprise to me – a very pleasant one, I should say.

I watched the footage of our previous meeting, that chance encounter all those years ago, and it brought back memories. It was quite moving. I was especially pleased to hear that you later decided to study in Russia and ended up in Moscow.

If I am not mistaken, you are from southern China. Moscow is not exactly known for its warm weather, but I hope you found a welcoming and friendly environment there – a warm atmosphere, if not a warm climate.

Peng Pai: Thank you.

(Retranslated.)

For me too, this is a huge surprise that after 26 years, I have the chance to see you again. To be honest, I feel like I am in a dream. It is stranger than science fiction.

While I was studying in Russia, I received a lot of warmth from my professors and fellow students. I also gained a great deal of professional knowledge and came to appreciate Russia’s rigorous scientific approach to education. I brought all of that back with me from Russia to China and took a job at a construction company in Hunan Province. Since then, I have worked on a number of infrastructure projects here, putting into practice the knowledge and skills I acquired in Russia.

Even though I grew up in China, a very big part of my life was shaped in Russia. You could really say that Moscow is my second home.

Vladimir Putin: That is wonderful to hear. Are you originally from the same province where you are now working?

Peng Pai: Yes, I was born in Hunan, and I went back there after I left Moscow.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, as we say, “serve the land that raised you.” That says a lot. As I recall, it is also the birthplace of the founder of the modern Chinese state, Mao Zedong. In 1970 – specifically on May 20 – he called on the whole world to fight against American imperialism.

That said, our meeting today falls on a momentous date, but our friendship with China is not directed against anyone. We are not fighting anyone. We are simply pursuing our own interests and following our own development path. What is more, we are ready to cooperate with everyone, with all our global partners, including the United States.

Today we discussed this with President Xi Jinping. I am very pleased to see that, having received your education in Russia, you are successfully building your professional career in your home country under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China. China is developing confidently and maintaining a strong pace of progress. This policy provides both political and economic stability, which is an essential foundation for sustainable national development.

When such stability exists, we often take it for granted, assuming it has always been present and will continue indefinitely. Yet it is only when challenges emerge in these areas that we fully recognise its importance. Stability creates the conditions necessary to improve living standards, expand educational opportunities, and foster the long-term development of the people.

Together with President Xi Jinping, we have just launched the Russia–China Cross Years of Education, and I am especially pleased to know that your professional achievements in China are connected to the education you received in Russia. This meeting was unexpected for me, but an especially pleasant one.

Peng Pai: This is the most valuable base I gained in Russia.

Vladimir Putin: I wish you every success.

Peng Pai: I would also like to wish you good health.

Vladimir Putin: Please come to Russia again.

Peng Pai: I certainly will.

Vladimir Putin: If you have any questions, please go ahead.

Peng Pai: I sincerely hope our meetings will continue and that there will be new opportunities for them, as well as to strengthen ties between Russia and China. I also hope Chinese companies will continue to participate actively in Russia’s development. I know that our companies are already involved in the construction of the Moscow metro.

Vladimir Putin: Excellent. We will continue. There remains tremendous potential for mutual cooperation and for the continued contribution of Russian-Chinese relations to the development and prosperity of our countries.

Peng Pai: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. I wish you success.