Strong personal rapport of heads of state cements and guides China-Russia relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Russia from Wednesday to Saturday will be his 11th and it marks yet another milestone in the enduring partnership between China and Russia and the head-of-state diplomacy that has been such a defining feature of the two countries’ relations in the new era.

Since 2013, President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have convened over 40 times, keeping the trajectory of the China-Russia relationship on a steady course amid the challenging and changing global landscape. Through regular meetings and diverse communication channels, the two leaders have established a strong personal rapport and aligned their stances on bilateral affairs, global dynamics and international governance.

This continuous dialogue has not only bolstered political trust but also laid the groundwork for collaborative mechanisms at multiple levels, including routine head-of-state summits that have ensured the effective execution of mutual agreements.

The deepening personal rapport between the two leaders has yielded significant dividends for the two countries’ cooperation across various sectors such as the automotive, electromechanical and agricultural industries, and the fostering of a robust wave of collaboration in emerging domains.

Notably, China has consistently held its position as Russia’s principal trading partner for 15 consecutive years, while Russia has risen to be China’s eighth-largest trading partner. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between the two nations exceeded $240 billion, surpassing projections well ahead of schedule.

The unwavering commitment of the two leaders to fortify the ties between their two countries exemplifies a strategic partnership founded on trust, cooperation and shared development objectives.

As a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry highlighted, the upcoming visit underscores the shared importance the two sides attach to deepening political trust and enhancing practical cooperation amid the rapidly evolving global environment.

As China and Russia continue to navigate the complexities of the turbulent global geopolitical landscape, their collaborative efforts stand as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of their leaders’ enduring rapport.

A lot of changes have taken place in the world and regional arena since their last face-to-face talks in Russia’s Kazan in October on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, not least the change of US administration with a White House agenda aimed at reinforcing “US exceptionalism”.

But against the backdrop of this year’s significant historical milestones, including the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the lessons of the past and upholding the values of international justice and fairness that were the intended pillars of the postwar system.

Thus the two leaders have agreed to jointly remember history, honor the martyrs, and foster a right view of history, and to defend the outcomes of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

President Xi’s upcoming state visit is expected to inject fresh vitality into the two countries’ cooperation and contribute positively to strengthening their comprehensive strategic coordination, which stands as a beacon of stability in an uncertain world.

By staying true to their shared vision and goals, the two countries are demonstrating the value of deep political trust and practical cooperation in releasing the dividends of mutually beneficial engagement for the benefit of their people.

The strong rapport between the two leaders is testament to the enduring power of the two countries’ steadfast partnership of collaboration and friendship that is poised to shape the future landscape of multipolar international relations.

[Abridged]

Editorial, China Daily