Editorial: Embarking on a new stable and far-reaching future for China Russia relations
The leadership of the head of state has always been the greatest advantage and fundamental guarantee for the high-level development of China Russia relations. It is under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state that China Russia relations have shown a mature, stable, and resilient high-level development trend.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China Russia strategic partnership. These three points highly summarize why China Russia relations can be stable and far-reaching, and also demonstrate the comprehensive strategic cooperation that China and Russia continue to deepen from three dimensions, injecting surging momentum into the development of their respective countries, the well-being of the two peoples, and the peace and stability of the world today.
Prior to his visit to China, President Putin delivered a video speech stating that regular mutual visits and meetings between Russian and Chinese heads of state are important and indispensable parts of developing bilateral relations in all aspects and tapping into their truly unlimited potential. This is President Putin's first video speech before his overseas visit, which shows the high importance that Russia attaches to this visit and reflects the endogenous driving force for the long-term stable development of China Russia relations.
Based on a correct strategic understanding of each other, China and Russia stand at the forefront of a new type of major power relationship, setting an example for neighboring country relations. China and Russia are each other's largest neighbors, with a common border of over 4300 kilometers. 25 years ago, the signing of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia established the concept of "eternal friendship and never becoming enemies" in legal form. Nowadays, people from both countries often come and go like relatives, and the convenient measures of visa exemption and the expanding cross-border channels have made personnel and goods exchanges more lively. The launch of the "China Russia Education Year" will inject new impetus into the intergenerational inheritance of friendship between the two countries. In a complex international environment, the stable relationship of mutual understanding and affinity between China and Russia provides reliable guarantees for their respective development and revitalization.
The comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Russia is of great significance for maintaining global strategic stability, upholding multilateralism, and maintaining international order. The strategic partnership between China and Russia has been established from the very beginning on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit. China and Russia are strategically independent, always respecting each other's core interests, not imposing their own will and agenda on each other, and adhering to non alignment, non confrontation, and non targeting of third parties. China and Russia are both major powers in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. They not only pay attention to bilateral agendas, but also closely coordinate and cooperate within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the BRICS countries, actively working together to answer the questions of the times. China and Russia have joined hands to contribute to defending the achievements of World War II victory and maintaining the international system with the United Nations at its core, while also jointly promoting the development of the international order towards a more just and reasonable direction.
China and Russia continue to deepen and expand comprehensive strategic cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields, injecting strong impetus into promoting the development and modernization of the two countries. Faced with a complex and ever-changing external environment, pragmatic cooperation between China and Russia has shown resilience and vitality, with bilateral trade volume exceeding the $200 billion mark for three consecutive years. From January to April 2026, bilateral trade volume increased by nearly 20% year-on-year. Whether in traditional areas of cooperation or emerging fields, China Russia cooperation is moving from quantitative accumulation to qualitative leap, with a variety of highlights. The 10th China Russia Expo currently being held in Harbin has attracted more than 1500 companies from 46 countries and regions to participate, becoming the latest epitome of win-win cooperation between the two countries and allowing the people of both countries to truly share the dividends of development and revitalization.
The three most essential characteristics of permanent neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial cooperation are like three pillars, supporting the stable and far-reaching future of bilateral relations. Standing at a new historical starting point, the meeting between the two heads of state is of great significance for carrying forward the past and opening up the future. The era of China Russia relations will sail towards the future.