Editor's note: Imran Khalid, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a freelance columnist on international affairs. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The visit by the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to China, in such close proximity to the momentous China-Central Asia Summit, epitomizes the triumph of Chinese diplomatic finesse. China's astute and visionary approach to fostering peace, enhancing trade cooperation, and propelling shared global development has garnered international recognition.

 This visit stands as an unequivocal testament to China's unwavering commitment to global harmony and its steadfast resolve to forge strong bonds with nations around the world. Through astute maneuvers and deft negotiations, China continues to elevate its status as a global leader, propelling a new era of collective prosperity and unity on the international stage.

During this visit, which was Mishustin's first visit to China since taking office as Russian Prime Minister, in addition to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, he also attended China-Russia Business Forum on May 23 in Shanghai. In a striking display of bilateral synergy, during Mishustin's visit, China and Russia signed an array of robust agreements encompassing service trade cooperation, sports collaboration, patent exchanges, and even Russian millet exports to the Chinese market. This positive outcome emanating from Mishustin's inaugural visit to China resonates with strategic implications. It attests to the growing alignment of interests and mutual trust between these two major powers, as they chart a path of shared prosperity and economic interdependence. Such multifaceted pacts underscore the maturing nature of Sino-Russian relations, characterized by a nuanced blend of pragmatism and long-term vision, while heralding a new chapter of strategic collaboration and synergy between these influential nations.

The Russian delegation's remarkable size and the presence of numerous entrepreneurs accompanying Prime Minister Mishustin is a seldom-seen occurrence in contemporary international diplomacy. The purpose of this visit is primarily focused on translating cooperation projects into tangible action and further augmenting economic collaboration. President Xi's highly successful state visit to Russia in March of this year worked as a booster for the future of China-Russia relations, delineating an ambitious blueprint for cooperation across various domains. Mishustin's visit to China is a crucial step in materializing this blueprint, serving as a roadmap and construction plan that will ultimately transform into a resplendent reality. As both China and Russia work in unison, this endeavor will provide a sustained and robust impetus to the economic revitalization of both nations, benefiting people on both sides with tangible advantages derived from mutually beneficial cooperation.

Factually speaking, the collaboration between China and Russia is completely unrelated to the Ukraine conflict. In a time when the United States is increasingly displaying hostility towards both China and Russia, while also pressuring neighboring countries into forming global confrontational blocs, it becomes crucial to prevent and discourage further conflicts and tensions. China, on the one hand, maintains a neutral and equitable position, actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to assist relevant parties in finding a political resolution for the Ukraine crisis. On the other hand, China and Russia are fostering bilateral relations based on the legitimate and rational demands and interests of their respective peoples.

Western media and politicians have no grounds to criticize the natural progression of China-Russia ties, especially considering that Western governments, particularly Washington, are impeding efforts to resolve the conflict. The anxiety displayed by Western media, ensnared in a mindset of confrontation, when confronted with the mere notion of China and Russia engaging in normal cooperation is telling. They either call for a united front against the two countries or resurrect the tired narrative of Russia's dependence on China, all in an attempt to incite discord within China-Russia relations. Such aspirations are not only unrealistic but also fail to acknowledge the evolving dynamics of global interdependence. The interconnectedness of nations, including China and Russia, cannot be artificially severed, nor can the foundations of genuine cooperation be undermined by rhetoric that seeks to divide.

This significant diplomatic undertaking between two prominent global powers demonstrates their earnest commitment to reestablishing a regular framework of direct, in-person dialogue between the respective heads of government. In the wake of the protracted three-year battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, this effort aims to fortify and actualize the agreements and shared understandings reached by the top leaders of both nations in March. By prioritizing face-to-face interactions, China and Russia showcase their determination to bolster bilateral ties and effectively address the pressing issues that demand their collective attention. This sentiment was echoed by President Xi as he emphasized the need for enhanced coordination on the global stage, be it through the United Nations, BRICS or the G20. The vision is clear: both nations must play a pivotal role in advancing a multipolar world order firmly grounded in international law. Mishustin, in alignment with this vision, expressed Russia's readiness to collaborate with China in driving the process of global multi-polarization and reinforcing the international order.

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