Deepening strategic coordination for a changing world

Editor's note: Xu Ying is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator for CGTN. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As Russian President Vladimir Putin is on his two-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, the outcomes of the trip, including the signing of the joint statement on enhancing comprehensive strategic coordination, deepening good-neighborliness and friendly cooperation, have once again underscored the growing maturity, resilience and strategic significance of China-Russia relations in a rapidly evolving international landscape.

Coming at the historic juncture of the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, Putin's visit has carried importance far beyond ceremonial diplomacy. It has reaffirmed the determination of both countries to deepen comprehensive strategic coordination while contributing greater stability to a world marked by uncertainty and transformation.

The scale and composition of the Russian delegation itself reflected the importance Moscow attaches to relations with Beijing. Accompanied by five deputy prime ministers, eight cabinet ministers and senior executives from Russia's leading energy, aerospace and industrial enterprises, Putin's visit demonstrated an unprecedented level of strategic mobilization. The broad representation across sectors illustrated not only the depth of existing cooperation, but also the strong political will on both sides to expand practical collaboration in the years ahead.

During talks in Beijing on Tuesday, the two heads of state held both small-group and expanded meetings before overseeing the signing of nearly 40 cooperation documents covering areas including energy, industry, nuclear cooperation, transportation, finance, digital economy and agricultural development. The two leaders also held talks, exchanging views on international and regional issues of common concern in a setting that reflected the close strategic communication between the two countries.

One of the most notable outcomes of the visit was the agreement to extend the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Signed 25 years ago, the treaty established the legal and institutional foundation for long-term friendship and strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. In today's international environment, its principles of mutual respect, non-interference, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation continue to demonstrate strong relevance and vitality.

A defining feature of China-Russia relations remains the principle of "non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party." Unlike traditional geopolitical blocs formed through ideological rivalry or military confrontation, China-Russia relations have evolved on the basis of sovereign equality, strategic trust and shared development interests. Before arriving in Beijing, Putin emphasized that Russia-China friendship "does not target any third party, but pursues peace and common prosperity," highlighting the independent and stable character of bilateral ties.

Political mutual trust continues to serve as the cornerstone of the relationship. Over the past three decades, high-level exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly institutionalized and mature. Frequent interactions between the two heads of state have provided strategic guidance for bilateral cooperation across virtually all sectors, from economic development to international coordination.

Practical cooperation, particularly in energy and trade, has become an increasingly powerful engine of bilateral relations. Bilateral trade has maintained strong resilience despite global economic headwinds, with trade volume reaching $240 billion in 2025 and local-currency settlement reaching historically high levels. Both countries have agreed to continue optimizing trade structure, increasing the share of high-value-added products and strengthening industrial and supply-chain cooperation.

Beyond traditional sectors, China and Russia are also accelerating cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green development, aerospace and Arctic shipping routes. These initiatives reflect the shared determination of both countries to cultivate new growth drivers and strengthen economic resilience amid continued global volatility.

Equally significant is the expanding human dimension of bilateral relations. The launch of the China-Russia Education Year has injected fresh momentum into educational, cultural and youth exchanges. Following the implementation of mutual visa-free arrangements, tourism and people-to-people interactions have continued to grow rapidly. Such exchanges are steadily strengthening the social foundation of bilateral friendship and helping cultivate deeper mutual understanding between the two peoples.

At the international level, China and Russia continue to coordinate closely on major global issues. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and important members of mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS, both countries advocate a more just and equitable international order based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. The joint statement reaffirmed opposition to unilateral sanctions, hegemonism and "long-arm jurisdiction" lacking international legal basis, while calling for greater multipolarity, dialogue and respect for sovereign equality.

Importantly, China-Russia cooperation is not directed against any third party. Rather, it seeks to provide stability, predictability and constructive momentum at a time when the world faces growing geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and governance deficits. In this sense, the steady development of China-Russia relations reflects not confrontation, but the enduring relevance of dialogue, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

During Putin's 25th visit to China, one message has become increasingly clear: The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has entered a new stage of depth and resilience. Rooted in good-neighborliness, supported by practical cooperation and guided by long-term strategic vision, the relationship continues to generate positive energy not only for the development and revitalization of both countries, but also for international peace, stability and common prosperity in a changing world.

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