China and Russia Strengthen Historic Ties Amid Global Challenges

Par He Yin, People's Daily

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on May 19, 2026, for a state visit to China. Invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin's visit spans from May 19 to 20. This marks Putin's 25th visit to China and their first face-to-face meeting this year.

The international community widely anticipates that, under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, China-Russia relations will continue advancing positively, contributing to global strategic stability and international fairness.

Over the years, head-of-state diplomacy has been the greatest strength and fundamental guarantee of high-level bilateral relations.

Since 2013, the two leaders have met over 40 times on various occasions. In 2014, they signed a statement marking a new stage in their comprehensive strategic partnership. In 2019, they agreed to elevate ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

In 2021, they extended the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, enriching its contemporary significance.

Last year, the presidents signed a joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Under the joint planning and guidance of the two leaders, China-Russia relations have grown increasingly confident, stable, and resilient.

The relationship exemplifies a new model of major-country relations, delivering tangible benefits to both nations and contributing significantly to global strategic stability and governance improvements.

During this visit, the leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations, cooperation across various sectors, and international and regional issues. The meeting elevated China-Russia relations to new heights, injecting positive energy into world peace and development.

Everlasting good-neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation define China-Russia relations.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership, the 25th anniversary of their Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, and the launch of the China-Russia Years of Education.

Seizing this historic opportunity, both sides aim to strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation across all fields, and consolidate the foundation for everlasting friendship.

In recent years, joint efforts have deepened cooperation across sectors, yielding solid outcomes. Key area cooperation has flourished, sub-regional cooperation remains vibrant, and collaboration in emerging sectors has expanded comprehensively.

In 2025, bilateral trade reached $227.9 billion, surpassing $200 billion for the third consecutive year. China remains Russia's largest trading partner for 16 years. In the first four months of this year, trade totaled $85.241 billion, up 19.7% year-on-year.

Holding thematic years has become a tradition in China-Russia cultural exchanges, highlighting bilateral relations. The China-Russia Years of Education launched this year is expected to deepen mutual understanding and support development.

Amid an increasingly turbulent international landscape, the stability and certainty in China-Russia relations are particularly valuable.

They provide a foundation for both countries' development and inject stability into global strategic stability and governance.

As responsible major countries and UN Security Council members, China and Russia maintain close coordination within multilateral frameworks like the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the G20.

Together, they safeguard the UN's central role, explore inclusive economic globalization, and advance an equal, multipolar world.

Last September, Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting. Putin supported the initiative.

This year, with the international situation volatile, closer strategic coordination between China and Russia will help make the international order more just and equitable.

Today, China-Russia relations are at their historical best. China is ready to work with Russia to implement the consensus reached by the leaders, deepen bilateral relations, and contribute to promoting development and international fairness.