China, Russia vow stronger marine cooperation

China and Russia said they will deepen strategic trust and expand maritime and Arctic cooperation, framing their partnership as increasingly important amid global uncertainty. 

Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met with Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev on Monday in Beijing.

Wang Yi told Nikolai Patrushev that the two presidents maintain close communication and are guiding ties toward "higher quality and higher levels."

Wang said oceans are a blue bond connecting all countries. He said as permanent members of the UN Security Council and major maritime powers, China and Russia have important responsibilities and broad prospects for cooperation in international maritime affairs. 

Wang called for strengthened coordination on maritime strategies, efforts to safeguard legitimate maritime rights and regional and global navigation security, and joint contributions to building a maritime community with a shared future.

Nikolai Patrushev conveyed President Vladimir Putin's greetings to President Xi Jinping, saying the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership is more vital than ever. He said Moscow welcomed cooperation on the trans-Arctic international transport corridor and multilateral ocean governance, while noting it can learn from China's shipbuilding, logistics and maritime trade experience.