The Dynamic Diplomatic Relations Between China and Russia: A New Era of Collaboration

In recent times, as global uncertainties grow including a rise in trade protectionism and unilateralism, the relations between China and Russia have demonstrated remarkable resilience and momentum. In 2024, bilateral trade hit a record high of $244.8 billion, indicating a year-on-year growth of 1.9% and showcasing the enduring strength of their strategic partnership.

Andrey Denisov, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of Russia and a former ambassador to China, emphasized that the strategic orientation set by both heads of state has been crucial for maintaining steady and consistent growth in ties between the two nations. In a significant gesture, Chinese President Xi Jinping has accepted an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10, 2025. This visit coincides with the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War in Moscow, symbolizing the critical role state diplomacy plays in fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia for a new era.

For over a decade, Xi and Putin have convened more than 40 times on various bilateral and multilateral occasions. Their frequent, candid, and strategic exchanges have formed the bedrock of the evolving relationship between the two nations. Xi’s inaugural state visit as a Chinese leader in 2013 marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations rooted in mutual equality, trust, support, shared prosperity, and enduring friendship.

During a visit to Moscow in June 2019, the two leaders agreed to elevate their ties to the status of a comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, thus initiating a new chapter in China-Russia relations. After being re-elected in March 2023, Xi’s first state visit was to Russia, while Putin chose China for his first foreign visit post re-election in May 2024, underscoring the profound personal rapport and strategic trust between them.

President Putin noted that Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, open, and professional communication style, describing their meetings as “not just dialogues between old friends but also productive discussions on bilateral and global issues.”

In a recent article featured in Russian media, Zhang Hanhui, China’s ambassador to Russia, stated that the guidance provided by the two leaders serves as a fundamental guarantee for sustaining a high level of operational relations between China and Russia.

Navigating Global Uncertainty with Bilateral Stability

As early as 2025, Xi and Putin conducted a virtual meeting which set the tone for the upcoming year. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic cooperation, promote national development and revitalization, while jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice. President Xi expressed his readiness to collaborate with President Putin in guiding bilateral relations towards new heights, urging both parties to confront external uncertainties with the stability and resilience characterizing China-Russia relations.

Commenting on the virtual meeting, Ma Youjun, an expert from the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that state diplomacy has allowed China-Russia relations to grow increasingly mature, dynamic, and resilient. This has not only energized their partnership but has also contributed stability to the broader international landscape.

This perspective aligns with the latest statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which expressed confidence that President Xi’s upcoming visit would deepen mutual political trust, enhance strategic coordination, and broaden practical cooperation between the two nations.

According to the ministry, “the significant agreements reached between the two presidents will bring more tangible benefits to both peoples and contribute to greater stability and positive energy within the international community.”