#None #Xi Jinping #Vladimir Putin #China-Russia

Strengthening Ties in Troubling Times

In an increasingly uncertain global landscape characterized by rising trade protectionism and unilateralism, the relationship between China and Russia demonstrates remarkable resilience and dynamism. Recent reports indicate that bilateral trade reached an unprecedented $244.8 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.9%. This consistent progress underlines the strength of their strategic partnership, which has gained momentum in recent years.

Andrey Denisov, the first Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee and former ambassador to China, emphasized that the strategic directives from the leaders of both nations play a pivotal role in sustaining the continued growth of Sino-Russian relations.

Upcoming State Visit

Scheduled from May 7 to May 10, 2025, President Xi Jinping will embark on a state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. This visit coincides with the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War and is expected to further enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, particularly in coordination for a new era.

The significance of state-level diplomacy is evident as Xi and Putin have met over 40 times in various forums over the past decade. Their consistent and candid exchanges have become the bedrock upon which sturdy and evolving relations are built. Xi's first state visit as a president to Russia in 2013 marked a pivotal shift towards a new era grounded in equality, mutual trust, and enduring friendship.

During a visit to Moscow in June 2019, the two leaders elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, marking a significant chapter in Sino-Russian engagement.

Moreover, Xi's first state visit after being re-elected in March 2023 took place in Russia. Following Putin's re-election as president of Russia in May 2024, he too chose China for his inaugural foreign visit, exemplifying the profound personal rapport and strategic trust that binds the two leaders.

A Businesslike Approach to Diplomacy

President Putin noted Xi's respectful and open communication style, which allows for productive discussions on bilateral and global matters. In a recent article, Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, reiterated that the guiding roles of the two leaders serve as fundamental assurances for the maintenance of Sino-Russian relations at a high level.

Sustaining Stability Amid Global Uncertainty

At the beginning of 2025, Xi and Putin conducted a virtual meeting to outline their common direction for the year ahead. They committed to deepening strategic cooperation, promoting national development, and jointly defending international integrity and justice. Xi signaled his readiness to elevate bilateral relations to new heights, urging both nations to confront external uncertainties through the stability and resilience that define their partnership.

Commenting on the virtual meeting, Ma Youjun, an expert from the Heilongjiang Academy of Social Sciences, noted that the diplomacy of state heads is nurturing increasingly mature, dynamic, and enduring relations, which not only invigorate their partnership but also provide stability in the broader international landscape.

This perspective aligns with a recent statement from China's Foreign Ministry, expressing confidence that President Xi's impending visit will deepen mutual political trust, enhance strategic coordination, and broaden substantive cooperation between the two nations.

The ministry stated, "Significant joint agreements between the presidents will bring tangible benefits to both peoples and contribute to greater stability and positive energy within the international community."