New Vitality in China-Russia Relations Through Diplomatic Engagement

Strengthening China-Russia Ties Through Diplomatic Leadership

In the face of escalating global uncertainty, characterized by a rise in trade protectionism and unilateralism, the China-Russia relationship continues to display impressive resilience and dynamism. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between these two nations reached an unprecedented $244.8 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 1.9%. This figure underscores the enduring strength of their strategic partnership.

The Role of Leadership in Diplomatic Relations

Andrei Denisov, the first deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of Russia and a former ambassador to China, remarked that the strategic leadership demonstrated by both heads of state is pivotal for maintaining the stable and sustainable development of Sino-Russian relations. China recently announced that President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, during which he will participate in the Moscow celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Anticipation surrounds this visit, with expectations that it will highlight the crucial role of state-level diplomacy in fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia in this new era.

A Decade of Cooperation

Over the past decade, Xi Jinping and Putin have met more than 40 times on various bilateral and multilateral occasions. Their frequent, candid, and strategic exchanges have become the cornerstone of the evolving relationship between the two countries. When Xi first visited Russia as the Chinese president in 2013, he set the stage for a new phase in bilateral relations based on equality, mutual trust, and support, aspiring for shared prosperity and lifelong friendship.

In June 2019, during Xi's visit to Moscow, both leaders committed to elevating their bilateral relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and coordination for the new era, thereby opening a new chapter in Sino-Russian relations.

Following his re-election in March 2023, Xi made a point of returning to Russia for his first state visit, underscoring the deep personal relationship and strategic trust that he shares with Putin. Similarly, after Putin's re-election in May 2024, he chose China for his first foreign visit, reinforcing this connection.

Describing Their Dynamic

Putin noted that President Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, and open yet business-like style of communication, describing their meetings as “not only a dialogue between old friends but also a productive discussion about bilateral and global issues.” A recent statement from the Chinese ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, emphasized that the leadership role of both heads of state represents a fundamental guarantee for maintaining a high level of China-Russia relations.

Diplomatic Resilience in Uncertain Times

At the beginning of 2025, Xi and Putin held a virtual meeting that set the tone for cooperation throughout the year. Both leaders committed to deepening their strategic collaboration, supporting national development, and collectively safeguarding international justice and law.

During this meeting, Xi reiterated his readiness to collaborate with Putin to elevate their bilateral relationship further, urging both sides to counter external uncertainties with the stability and resilience that characterize Sino-Russian relations.

Ma Youjun, a scholar at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, commented that thanks to high-level state diplomacy, China-Russia relations are maturing, becoming more dynamic and resilient. This progress not only injects vitality into their partnership but also adds stability to the broader international landscape.

This perspective aligns with the recent statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which expressed confidence that Xi's forthcoming visit would deepen mutual political trust, enhance strategic coordination, and broaden practical cooperation between the two sides. The Ministry affirmed that the significant mutual understanding between both presidents would bring tangible benefits to their nations and contribute to greater stability and positive energy within the international community.