International: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing with a delegation on the evening of May 19, beginning his 25th visit to China. During the visit, he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting marked the first summit between the two leaders this year.

The year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Against this backdrop, the latest meeting has drawn significant international attention and produced what observers describe as substantial outcomes, elevating bilateral relations to a new phase of faster and more productive development.

Explaining the significance of this “new phase,” expert Li Yingchuan said China-Russia relations have steadily reached new heights since 1992. He noted that this year marks the first year of implementing China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, while Russia has also reached a critical stage in its national development agenda. As a result, both sides see the need for extensive discussions on aligning development strategies and expanding cooperation across various sectors.

Li added that many economy-related officials were included in the Russian delegation, reflecting the growing importance of economic collaboration. According to him, the term “new” also refers to major changes in the international landscape and the evolving stage of practical cooperation between the two countries.

China and Russia also issued a joint statement during the visit. Commenting on its significance, Li said the first document focuses on strengthening bilateral relations. He pointed out that the scale of China-Russia trade today is vastly different from what it was 25 years ago when the cooperation treaty was signed, or 30 years ago when the strategic partnership was first established.

He said both countries now need to further deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership in line with the demands of a new era, and the joint document would serve as a roadmap for achieving that objective.

Li further explained that the second document concerns broader global strategic cooperation. Its central theme is how China and Russia can strengthen collaboration in building a multipolar world order. He emphasized that China-Russia relations are serving as a stabilizing factor in international affairs and are expected to contribute to the advancement of a multipolar global system.

Source: CMG (China Media Group)