Amid rising global uncertainties and challenges, the strong diplomatic relationship between China and Russia continues to flourish, demonstrating resilience and momentum.
In recent years, bilateral trade between the two nations has reached record highs, showcasing the deepening economic ties. In 2022, trade between China and Russia surged to over $190 billion, highlighting the enduring strength of their strategic partnership.
Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to China, emphasized the critical role of the strategic guidance provided by the two heads of state, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, in maintaining the steady growth of China-Russia ties.
Head-of-State Diplomacy: A Cornerstone of Relations
Over the past decade, President Xi and President Putin have met numerous times on various bilateral and multilateral occasions. Their frequent and candid exchanges have become the cornerstone of the stable and evolving China-Russia relationship.
In 2013, President Xi chose Russia as the first destination of his state visit as China’s head of state, ushering in a new phase of bilateral relations based on equality, mutual trust, and support. During his visit to Moscow in 2019, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
After his re-election in 2018, President Xi’s continued engagement with Russia underscored the importance of their relationship. Similarly, President Putin’s visits to China highlight the deep personal rapport and strategic trust between the two leaders.
“President Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, open, and at the same time business-like style of communication,” President Putin has remarked, describing their meetings as “not only dialogues between old friends, but also productive discussions on bilateral and global issues.”
Navigating Global Uncertainty Together
At the beginning of 2023, President Xi and President Putin held a virtual meeting to set the tone for the year ahead. They pledged to deepen strategic cooperation, promote national development and revitalization, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice.
President Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Putin to guide the bilateral relationship toward new heights, emphasizing the need to cope with external uncertainties through the stability and resilience of China-Russia relations.
Experts point out that head-of-state diplomacy has ensured that China-Russia relations become increasingly mature, dynamic, and resilient—injecting vitality into their partnership and stability into the broader international landscape.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed confidence that continued high-level exchanges between the two nations will lead to deeper political mutual trust, enhanced strategic coordination, and expanded practical cooperation.
“The important common understandings between the two presidents will bring more tangible benefits to the two peoples and contribute greater stability and positive energy to the international community,” the ministry stated.
