Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met on Thursday, pledging to strengthen strategic coordination between their countries amidst global changes. The two nations aim to safeguard their mutual security and development interests.
“The two heads of state have maintained strategic communication, providing steady and long-term guidance for China-Russia relations,” Wang Yi said, highlighting the importance of their partnership during times of profound global shifts.
Last month, the leaders of China and Russia held a phone conversation, expressing strong positions on key regional and international issues. Wang Yi emphasized that China and Russia, as important dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), should enhance strategic coordination on East Asian cooperation platforms.
“We should support an ASEAN-centered, open, and inclusive regional cooperation architecture,” Wang Yi stated. He called for upholding the right direction of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, contributing to the development consensus in the region.
Lavrov echoed Wang Yi’s sentiments, noting that under the strategic guidance of their leaders, Russia and China have maintained close coordination and cooperation. “This demonstrates the global and strategic significance of our bilateral relationship, especially under current circumstances,” he said.
Both ministers agreed on the need to remain vigilant against attempts by certain major powers to sow division and provoke confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region. They affirmed their commitment to safeguarding peace and stability.
Lavrov expressed Russia’s full support for China as it assumes the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He emphasized Russia’s readiness to prepare for high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation in various fields, including under frameworks such as BRICS.
The two sides also discussed international concerns, including the Iranian nuclear issue and the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Wang Yi stressed that “force cannot bring peace, and pressure does not solve problems; dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental path forward.”
China values Iran’s commitment not to seek nuclear weapons and respects its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and key participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, China and Russia aim to strengthen strategic coordination to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
