Category: Russia

During President Xi Jinping’s May 7-10 state visit to Russia, during which he participated in the celebrations of the 80^th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, besides concluding with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin the Joint Declaration on Further Strengthening Cooperation to Uphold the Authority of International Law and that on Global Strategic Stability, the two heads of state also signed a Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the Occasion of Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Founding of the United Nations.

This 8,500-word statement not only details a wide range of issues connected to these anniversaries and surveys the broad spectrum of bilateral relations between China and Russia. It also sets out the two countries’ identity of views on a great number of contemporary regional and global issues. As with the other joint statements, it goes into granular detail, demonstrating the unprecedentedly high level not only of agreement but of active and practical coordination between Beijing and Moscow. It is therefore not hyperbole to observe that these documents are of considerable historical significance, contributing to and demonstrating President Xi’s oft stated observation that the world is currently experiencing changes unseen in a century. Therefore anyone with a serious interest in international relations should study them closely.

The statement begins by noting that, “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the World Anti-Fascist War, and the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. The Second World War was an unprecedented catastrophe in human history. China and the Soviet Union, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe respectively, stood at the forefront of resisting the attacks of Japanese militarism and Nazi Germany and its vassal states, and were the two backbone forces in the fight against militarism and fascism. The Chinese and Soviet peoples suffered great hardships brought by foreign aggression and the baptism of extremely harsh wars. They fought shoulder to shoulder in arduous struggles, gave each other selfless assistance, made great sacrifices, and achieved great victories, making great historical contributions to defending human dignity and rebuilding world peace.”

In today’s world, China and Russia shoulder the common responsibility and mission of maintaining a correct view of World War II history. China and Russia will always remember the just feats of the two peoples in maintaining world peace, cherish the memory of the tens of millions of heroes and innocent civilians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of future generations, and pay high tribute to the old soldiers and heroic rear-line workers who made combat exploits during the war years. Both sides will continue to attach importance to educating the younger generation to take the predecessors as role models, adhere to the indelible spirit of patriotism, cultivate the responsibility for the motherland and the people, and promote the fearless spirit of sacrifice for the realisation of national peace and prosperity.

Among many areas of bilateral relations, it states that: “The two sides reiterated that the close relationship between the Chinese and Russian militaries is of special significance, which will help the two countries to more effectively defend their sovereignty and national interests and effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges. The two sides will continue to strengthen military and military-technical cooperation to benefit the people of China and Russia and safeguard global and regional security. The two sides will further deepen military mutual trust and cooperation, expand the scale and scope of joint military exercises, regularly organise joint maritime and air patrols, strengthen exchanges and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, and promote China-Russia military cooperation to a higher level.”

Other highlights of the statement include:

Continue reading China and Russia will always remember the just feats of the two peoples in maintaining world peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia from May 7-10 to pay a state visit as well as to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

On arriving at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow on the evening of the 7^th, Xi delivered a written statement in which he noted that China and Russia are good neighbours always being there for each other, true friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners helping each other succeed. The independent, mature and resilient China-Russia relationship not only brings great benefits to the people of the two countries but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. As major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia will join hands to defend the outcomes of the victory of World War II, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Xi Jinping added that he looks forward to having in-depth communication with President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and international and regional issues of common interest and concern, which will inject strong impetus into promoting the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. He also looks forward to joining the leaders of many countries and the Russian people in cherishing the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and jointly sending a strong message of safeguarding international fairness and justice.

On the morning of May 8, the two Presidents held talks in the Kremlin.

President Xi stressed that 80 years ago, the Chinese and Russian peoples made immense sacrifice and secured a great victory. Their pivotal contribution to world peace and human progress is a shining chapter in the annals of history. Today, in the face of unilateralist countercurrents, bullying and acts of power politics, China is working with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council with courage and conviction, uphold the correct historical perspective on WWII, safeguard the authority and standing of the UN, firmly defend the victorious outcome of WWII, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and all other developing countries, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

He added that China and Russia should keep to the overall direction of cooperation, steer clear of external interference, and provide a more solid foundation and more robust momentum for cooperation. The two sides should leverage their complementary resource endowments and industrial systems to expand high-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, aviation and aerospace, and artificial intelligence. They should build a high-standard framework for connectivity by synergising Belt and Road cooperation and the Eurasian Economic Union. The potential of the China-Russia Years of Culture should be fully unleashed, with greater cooperation in education, film, tourism, sports, and subnational exchanges to foster closer people-to-people bonds. China and Russia should engage in closer coordination and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS to maintain Global South solidarity, uphold true multilateralism, and spearhead global governance reforms in the right direction.

President Putin expressed a warm welcome to President Xi for his state visit to Russia and participation in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. This visit is of great significance, as it will not only inject strong momentum into the development of Russia-China relations but also help safeguard the victorious outcome of WWII.

Putin went on to say that the Russia-China relationship is built on equality and mutual respect. It is neither directed against any third party nor swayed by any transient matters. It is Russia’s strategic choice to unswervingly advance relations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

Continue reading Putin: It is Russia’s strategic choice to unswervingly advance relations with China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Moscow at the beginning of April, with his main agenda being the preparation of President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit in May for the 80^th anniversary celebrations of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.

Meeting with Wang on April 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Russia and China to consistently enhance their strategic cooperation amid global turbulence. Marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War, Putin extended an invitation for Chinese representatives to attend commemorative events in Russia. He emphasised the shared historical significance of celebrating victories over Nazi fascism and Japanese militarism, stating that Russia is fully making preparations for the occasion and added that this milestone should propel Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights and strengthen multilateral collaboration within frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the BRICS + mechanism.

Responding, Wang Yi recalled that over 80 years ago, the peoples of China and the Soviet Union fought tenaciously on the Asian and European fronts, sacrificing immensely to defeat Japanese militarism and Nazi fascism, thereby contributing decisively to global peace. Today, as pivotal stabilising forces in a turbulent world, China and Russia must jointly uphold the outcomes of World War II, defend the post-war international order, and reinforce the United Nations’ central role in the global system. Both countries, he added, are committed to advancing multilateralism and democratising international relations.

He further said that the two countries have aligned their plans to support each other’s 80th-anniversary commemorative events, expressing confidence that the leaders’ engagements this year will further promote bilateral ties.

The official website of the Russian President published extracts from the two men’s opening remarks.

President Putin said: “I am aware that you have an extensive and busy programme for your visit. First of all, it is connected with preparations for the visit of the President of the People’s Republic of China to Russia. We will prepare a good and fulfilling programme. I hope it will involve not only participation in solemn events but will also be a separate visit. The President of the People’s Republic of China will be our main guest, and we will have an opportunity to discuss the current state of bilateral relations and our interaction on international venues, primarily the UN – the UN Security Council – as well as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and a number of other platforms where we work together with great success.” [A number of analysts have suggested that Putin’s reference to Xi as being the “main guest” means either that the speculation that US President Donald Trump might also visit Moscow at this time is without foundation or that the US President would be accorded a lower protocol status than his Chinese counterpart.]

Wang Yi responded: “You have accurately noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Great Victory in the war against Nazism and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN. Eighty years ago, the Chinese and Soviet people fought bravely in Europe and Asia, on the main front, suffered heavy national losses, and defeated militaristic Japan and Nazi Germany, thus making a major contribution to peace for humanity. Eighty years later, today we must unite to uphold the outcomes of World War II, the post-war world order, and the UN-centric international system, and join our efforts to promote multipolarity and democratisation of international relations.

“Mr President, you accurately noted that preparations for President Xi Jinping’s visit and his participation in the celebrations to be held in early May are the main purpose of my current visit. Before this meeting with you now, Minister Lavrov and I have met to align every item on our agenda that concerns preparations for this visit.”

In the above-mentioned meeting with Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister said that his country highly appreciates the global initiatives that China proposed, fully supports China’s position on the Taiwan question, and is willing to jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and safeguard a just and equitable international order.

Discussing Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s consistent position and expressed support for all peace efforts, noting that China is willing to continue to build more international consensus through the Group of Friends for Peace and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the crisis.

During his visit, Wang Yi also gave an extensive and exclusive interview to the Russia Today media group.

On the overall state of bilateral relations, he said:

“Under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Putin, the partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia has been continuously deepened, which not only fully meets the logic of history, but also proves the powerful self-sufficiency of bilateral ties. This allows us to live in peace, harmony and common prosperity, and furthermore contributes to the formation of a multipolar world and the democratisation of international relations.

“Today’s Sino-Russian relations have three characteristics: First, ‘Forever friends, never enemies.’ Our relations have matured on the basis of continuously summing up historical experience and learning from past lessons. The leaders of the two countries, with their inherent political foresight, made a historic decision to ‘close the past and open the future.’

“Second, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation. Chinese-Russian relations have acquired a qualitatively new content and scope. Cooperation is not only high-level, but also accessible to ordinary people, brings real tangible benefits to our peoples and provides enormous benefits to other countries of the world. 

“Third, non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties. Sino-Russian relations do not pose any threat to others, much less are they subject to outside interference or disruption and are not only a modern example of a new type of relationship between major powers, but also an important stabilising factor in a turbulent world.”

Continue reading Wang Yi: China and Russia are “forever friends, never enemies”

Chinese President Xi Jinping took a phone call from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on February 24. It is the second time that the two men have been known to speak this year and follows the recent dramatic changes in the United States’ position on the Ukraine crisis and the resultant diplomatic contacts between Russia and the US.

President Xi said that both history and reality tell us that China and Russia are destined to be good neighbours, and the two countries are true friends that share weal and woe, support each other and pursue common development. The bilateral relationship has a strong internal driving force and unique strategic value. It is neither targeted at any third party nor affected by any third party. Both countries have long-term development strategies and foreign policies. No matter how the international landscape changes, the relationship shall move forward at its own pace, contribute to both countries’ respective development and revitalisation, and inject stability and positivity into international relations.

For his part, President Putin said that developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a view to the long term; it is not an act of expediency, not affected by any temporary incidents, and not subject to interference by external factors. Under the current situation, close communication between Russia and China is in keeping with the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era and will send a positive message that Russia and China play a stabilising role in international affairs. He further provided an update on the latest interactions between Russia and the United States, and on Russia’s principled position on the Ukraine crisis. He said that Russia is committed to removing the root causes of the conflict and arriving at a sustainable and long-term peace plan.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Useful background analysis may be found here.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin met by video link on January 21, with the Chinese leader saying that he is willing to continue with their joint work of guiding bilateral relations towards a new height in the new year and coping with uncertainties of the external environment through the stability and resilience of China-Russia relations, jointly promoting the development and revitalisation of the two countries, and upholding international fairness and justice. The two heads of state also exchanged festive greetings for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year.

Xi recalled the three meetings he had with Putin last year, which led to a range of important common understandings. He also said last year marked the 75th anniversary of the China-Russia diplomatic relations, which feature permanent good-neighbourly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, and have become increasingly dynamic. The close coordination between the two countries on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS has provided more positive energy for the reform and development of the global governance system.

He noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN.

China and Russia should take this as an opportunity to jointly defend the UN-centred international system and the outcomes of victory in World War II, promote all countries’ adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, uphold the universally recognised basic norms governing international relations, and practice true multilateralism, Xi stressed. As the rotating chair of the SCO, China is willing to work with Russia and other member states to usher in a new phase of the organisation’s life featuring higher-quality development and greater responsibility.

Xi also called on the two countries to jointly advance greater BRICS cooperation and write a new chapter of unity and self-improvement for the Global South.

President Putin expressed satisfaction with the sustained positive momentum in bilateral trade and energy cooperation, the constant increase in mutual visits by people of the two countries, and the close communication and collaboration between the two sides on multilateral arenas. He noted that 80 years ago, the Russian and Chinese people resisted aggressors with their blood and lives, safeguarding their national sovereignty and dignity. He said that this year, the two sides will jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and defend the outcomes of World War II.

Responding to Xi he said: “I agree with you that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on common national interests in many spheres and shared views on what relations between major powers should be like. We are developing our ties on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support, equality and mutual benefit. These ties are self-sufficient, as they do not depend on any domestic political factors or the current global situation. Their all-round strengthening fully meets the goals of the comprehensive development of Russia and China and the improvement of our peoples’ well-being.

“We coordinate our actions across various multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and its Security Council, the SCO, the G20 and APEC. We stand united in advocating for a more just multipolar world order and work to ensure indivisible security both in the Eurasian space and globally. It can be said confidently that our foreign policy ties and Russia and China’s joint efforts objectively play a major stabilising role in international affairs.

“China is the largest consumer of Russian energy resources. We hold the first place in terms of oil exports to the country. Five years ago, we launched the Power of Siberia gas pipeline together, and today, Russia has become the leading supplier of natural gas to China. In December 2024, we signed a roadmap for a comprehensive programme of cooperation on fast neutron reactors and closing the nuclear fuel cycle, which is the nuclear power technology of the future.

“This year we are preparing to solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Its memory is sacred for both our nations, which fought deadly battles against the aggressors and defeated the enemy at the cost of numerous lives. The ideology of fascism, Nazism and militarism must not be allowed to rear its head again. It is important to cherish and defend the historical truth together with other nations that are guided by the same belief.”

The Russian News Agency TASS quoted Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov as saying that Russia has invited Xi Jinping to attend celebrations of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in Moscow on May 9, 2025.

“Russia and China will have broad celebrations on that day. We invited many heads of states to the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9, and, of course, we have invited the Chinese president,” the Kremlin official said.

In turn, China has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the formal end of World War Two, due in Beijing in September 2025, Ushakov told reporters.

“The Chinese side will organise events to mark the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War Two. These events are scheduled to take place in Beijing on September 3, and the Russian leader was also invited to take part,” he said.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency, the official website of the President of Russia and the Russian News Agency TASS.

Following talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Beijing on May 16, the first day of the Russian President’s state visit to China, the two countries adopted and signed a joint statement.

Divided into ten sections and running to nearly 8,500 words, the statement reflects the high degree of synergy between the two major developing countries and comprehensively deals with the full spectrum of bilateral relations, foreign policy issues and key questions facing humanity.

It begins by noting that, in 2024, China and Russia solemnly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have gone through an extraordinary course of development. The Soviet Union was the first country in the world to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the People’s Republic of China recognized the Russian Federation as the legal successor of the Soviet Union and reiterated its willingness to develop China-Russia relations on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Under the unremitting efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations follow the national interests of the two countries, uphold the spirit of good-neighbourliness and friendship forever, and maintain healthy and stable development.

They pointed out that the current China-Russia relations transcend the military and political alliance model of the Cold War era and are characterized by non-alignment, non-confrontation and not targeting third parties. 

And they stressed that the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples, and is not a matter of expediency, nor is it affected by a single incident, and has strong endogenous power and independent value.

Russia reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, recognized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, opposed any form of “Taiwan independence”, and firmly supported China’s measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and achieve national reunification. China supports Russia’s efforts to maintain its own security and stability, development and prosperity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and opposes external forces’ interference in Russia’s internal affairs.

The two sides pointed out that the world’s major changes are accelerating, and the status and strength of emerging powers in the “Global South” are constantly increasing and the acceleration of world multipolarisation is becoming more and more obvious. Countries that adhere to hegemonism and power politics go against this trend and attempt to replace and subvert the universally recognized international order based on international law with a “rules-based order”.

The two sides believe that all countries have the right to independently choose their development model and political, economic, and social systems according to their own national conditions and the will of the people and oppose interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, oppose unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” without a basis in international law or authorization by the UN Security Council, and oppose drawing lines based on ideology. They point out that neo-colonialism and hegemonism completely run counter to the current trend of the times, and call for equal dialogue, the development of partnerships, and the promotion of exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations.

China and Russia will continue to firmly defend the results of the victory of the Second World War and the post-war world order enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and oppose the negation, distortion, and falsification of the history of World War II.  They plan to solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Union’s Patriotic War in 2025 and jointly promote a correct view of the history of World War II.

The two sides will further deepen military mutual trust and cooperation, expand the scale of joint exercises and training activities, regularly organize joint maritime and air patrols, strengthen coordination and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, and continuously improve the ability and level of the two sides to jointly respond to risks and challenges.

They believe that, in accordance with the basic principle of sovereign equality of states in international law, international obligations regarding the immunity of states and their property (including sovereign reserves) must be strictly observed. The two sides condemn attempts to confiscate foreign assets and property, and stress that the victim state has the right to take countermeasures in accordance with international law.

This refers particularly to the multiple measures taken, and under consideration, by the imperialist powers against Russia. However, they are also threatened against China and have been deployed against a range of other countries, including Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iran, the DPRK and Equatorial Guinea, among others.

Having surveyed bilateral economic relations in detail, the statement also refers to some of their international ramifications.

Continue reading Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation

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.