During a significant meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. This move is aimed at bolstering political mutual trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation between the two nations amidst a volatile international landscape. Their discussions took place at the Great Hall of the People, coinciding with Putin’s two-day state visit to China. The leaders signed a joint statement committing to enhance comprehensive strategic coordination and deepen their friendly cooperation. Additionally, they oversaw the signing of 20 cooperative agreements covering various sectors such as economy, trade, education, and science and technology.
This year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership, a relationship that Xi highlights as having reached unprecedented levels over the past decades, setting a new benchmark for major-country relations. The leaders also marked the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, which was last extended in 2021. Xi emphasized the treaty’s enduring principles of non-alliance and non-confrontation, along with a commitment to equality, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. The partnership between the two countries has been pivotal in promoting international fairness and justice, acting as a stabilizing force amidst global changes.
Xi urged continued mutual support on core interests and major concerns, calling for enhanced strategic communication and political trust. Recent years have seen consistent growth in various cooperative fields between China and Russia, with bilateral trade exceeding $200 billion annually for three years running. In early 2026 alone, trade between the two nations increased by nearly 20 percent. Xi encouraged alignment of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia’s development strategy through 2030, aiming to upgrade cooperation to further benefit both nations’ development and revitalization.
Addressing global governance challenges, Xi noted the resurgence of unilateralism and hegemonism, which pose significant threats to global peace. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia bear responsibilities to uphold the UN’s authority and international justice. Xi stressed the importance of opposing any actions that undermine World War II outcomes or attempt to revive fascism and militarism. In response, Putin expressed confidence in the future of Russia-China relations, highlighting their self-sufficiency and potential to serve as a model for international relations.
Both leaders also discussed major international issues, including the Middle East situation. Xi pressed for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the need for continued negotiations to avert renewed fighting. The stability of energy supplies and the functioning of global trade and industrial chains hinge on resolving these conflicts. In a gesture of goodwill, China announced an extension of its visa-free policy for Russians until the end of 2027, with Russia reciprocating for Chinese citizens. The meeting concluded with a welcoming banquet in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.