In a significant diplomatic move, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Wednesday to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. The decision, made during talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, aims to bolster political mutual trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation between the two nations amidst a complex international landscape. The meeting marked Putin’s 25th visit to China since 2000, underscoring the deep ties between the two countries. Celebrating 30 years of strategic partnership, Xi highlighted how China-Russia relations have reached unprecedented levels, setting an example for major-country relations.
During the visit, the leaders signed a joint statement to enhance strategic coordination and deepen cooperation. They also witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements across various fields, including economy, trade, education, and science and technology. The two sides issued a joint statement advocating for a multipolar world and new international relations. With bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion annually for three years and recent figures showing a 20 percent increase in trade, Xi emphasized the importance of aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia’s 2030 development strategy to further deepen cooperation.
Addressing the media, Xi underscored the importance of the long-standing treaty, which was last extended in 2021, emphasizing principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and mutual respect. He called for further support on core interests, close strategic communication, and consolidating political trust. Xi also addressed global governance, urging opposition to unilateralism and hegemony, and promoting a just global governance system. Putin echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations and highlighting the importance of cooperation in international frameworks like the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.
The discussions also touched on pressing international issues, including the Middle East situation. Xi called for an immediate end to hostilities to stabilize energy supplies and global trade. Both leaders agreed to extend visa-free policies for each other’s citizens until December 31, 2027, further facilitating people-to-people exchanges. As a gesture of goodwill, Xi hosted a welcoming banquet for Putin at the Great Hall of the People, symbolizing the strong and evolving partnership between China and Russia.