Russia-China Relations Reach Historic Peak: Putin Highlights Strategic Partnership Growth During Meeting With Premier Li Qiang

On economic ties, Putin emphasized the remarkable progress achieved during the previous year. (Image posted on X by @mfa_russia)

Moscow:

Russia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday emphasized President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, describing the current state of bilateral relations as the most robust in their shared history.

In a statement shared on X, the ministry declared, "On November 18, President #Putin met with China's Premier Li Qiang. The comprehensive #RussiaChina partnership & strategic interaction, having entered a new era, is experiencing the best period in their history." This declaration established the foundation for discussions centered on strengthening diplomatic, strategic, and economic collaboration.

The November 18 meeting between Putin and Li highlighted this growing partnership. During their discussions, Putin stated, "Close Russia-China cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (#SCO) is helping to shape the SCO into one of the pillars of a multipolar international order, to draw the countries of the Global South into its orbit, and to help advance an open and non-discriminatory global trading system."

He further noted that efforts at the SCO Council of Heads of Government this year "were able to organically complement the efforts undertaken by our Chinese friends during their chairmanship, which successfully culminated in the Summit in Tianjin."

Putin also reflected on his previous interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I warmly recall my visit to that remarkable, beautiful and modern Chinese city, as well as my extensive conversations with my friend President Xi Jinping in Tianjin and later in Beijing during the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of China's victory over militarist Japan and the end of the Second World War," he remarked.

The Russian President requested Li Qiang to convey "my very best wishes and warm greetings to the President of the People's Republic of China."

Underlining the strategic significance of the relationship, Putin declared, "The comprehensive Russian-Chinese relations of partnership and strategic interaction, having entered a new era, are truly experiencing the best period in their history." He emphasized that these ties are founded on "equality, mutual benefit, and mutual support on issues affecting each other's core interests," and are not directed against any third party.

Regarding economic cooperation, Putin highlighted the significant achievements of the previous year. "In 2024, we achieved record figures in bilateral trade - the highest in the history of our relations," he affirmed. "We will continue to strengthen trade cooperation in line with our approved long-term plans. It is important to ensure the reliable protection of our trade and economic cooperation from negative external influences."

He stated that elevating the partnership "to a new qualitative level and reinforcing its technological foundation" would be supported by collaborative initiatives in "energy, industry, space and agriculture," alongside cooperation in "the training of qualified personnel." He mentioned that "the Russia-China Years of Education in 2026-2027... will be particularly useful," describing it as "a very timely and positive initiative."

Putin also emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. "Our humanitarian exchanges are also developing dynamically. The Cross Years of Culture are drawing to a successful close," he stated.

Welcoming China's decision to introduce visa-free entry for Russian citizens, he expressed, "We are grateful for this goodwill gesture." Reciprocal measures for Chinese nationals "will enter into force in the very near future," and he expressed confidence that this would produce "very substantial effects both economically and in humanitarian terms" and "serve as a distinctly positive boost to the advancement of our relations."