In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. The leaders pledged to deepen political mutual trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation, amid the current turbulent international climate. This agreement was reached during talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, concluding Putin’s two-day state visit to China. The presidents also signed a joint statement to enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents covering sectors such as the economy, trade, education, and science and technology.
Marking a milestone in the 30-year-old China-Russia strategic partnership, the two nations also issued a joint statement endorsing a multipolar world and new international relations. This year also commemorates the 25th anniversary of their Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, which emphasizes non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties. Xi highlighted the treaty’s role in fostering equality, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, contributing significantly to international fairness and justice. As the relationship between the two countries strengthens, bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion annually for three consecutive years, with a notable increase in the first months of 2026.
During their discussions, Xi urged further collaboration between China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Russia’s 2030 development strategy, aiming to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. He emphasized the importance of China and Russia, as UN Security Council members, in upholding international law and opposing unilateral actions. Putin, in turn, expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations, noting that they have reached an unprecedented level and operate independently of global circumstances. The Russian president also highlighted the nations’ commitment to uphold international law and collaborate within organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS.
As part of their ongoing cooperation, China announced an extension of its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until the end of 2027, with Russia reciprocating for Chinese citizens. The leaders also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues, including the Middle East, where Xi advocated for an immediate end to hostilities and continued negotiations. He stressed that resolving conflicts in the Middle East and Persian Gulf is crucial for maintaining energy supply stability and the functioning of industrial and supply chains. A welcoming banquet for Putin in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People capped off the day’s events.
Xi emphasized the importance of leveraging the comprehensive mechanisms of China-Russia cooperation to focus on national development and revitalization goals. He called for upgrading practical cooperation in various sectors, including trade, energy, and sci-tech innovation, to create new growth engines. Furthermore, efforts to strengthen cultural, educational, and social ties are seen as vital for solidifying the foundation of bilateral friendship. The leaders underscored that the strategic choice to promote the long-term, high-quality development of China-Russia relations aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and global trends.