China's relations with Russia, one of the country's closest neighbors, continue to get better. Russia was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with China back in 1949. And today, experts say the positive momentum between the two continues.
As a witness of China's reform and opening-up progress, Russia's ambassador to China Andrei Denisov says years ago, he'd have doubted the possibility of China reaching the achievements that it now has.
"China's reform and opening up is unprecedented. Over the past few years, the country has become an engine for international trade and global economic growth," said Denisov.
In 2018, trade between China and Russia surpassed 97 billion U.S. dollars, a 28-percent surge compared to the same period last year. The number is expected to reach a milestone 100 billion by the end of this year. The two sides have forged a practical cooperation in several sectors including energy, infrastructure, and e-commerce.
A Chinese football fan waves Chinese national flag outside Luzhniki Stadium ahead of a 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between Croatia and England, July 11, 2018. /VCG Photo
"We have a balanced bilateral trade system and a good investment," said Denisov, adding that the two countries have conducted a large cooperation in the energy sector, including the Yamal liquefied natural gas cooperation project.
People-to-people exchanges saw a major boost during this year's World Cup. Over 100,000 Chinese soccer fans and regular tourists visited Russia during the summer event. Denisov says the two sides are working to further simplify the procedures for visa-free entries.
Next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Embassy representatives say it will be a year of celebration, for both sides and a highlight for the world.
The ambassador said the bilateral cooperation over the past year was ample and productive with a unstoppable momentum, and he hopes for a fruitful 2019.