The President of China Media Group, Shen Haixiong has sat down with President Putin for an exclusive interview. President Putin shared his impression of Chinese President Xi Jinping, his expectations for Russia-China relations, and the expanded Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He also talked about the Belt and Road Initiative, the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula, and tensions between Russia and the West.

On May 31 at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for an exclusive interview with Shen Haixiong, head of the China Media Group. This was the first interview the Russian president had ever given to the Chinese media at the Kremlin, and his first exclusive interview with any foreign media organization since beginning his new term in office.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "President Putin, thank you for this interview with the China Media Group."

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Firstly, I'd like to thank you for your interest in Russia. I'm also grateful to you for coming to meet me. I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to offer my best wishes to the Chinese people."

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "On May 7 you were sworn in as the president of Russia. For the inauguration, the China Media Group's various media platforms provided live telecasts and coverage. I myself watched the live coverage."

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "We are aware of our many friends in China. Their attention has demonstrated great interest in the inauguration and in Russia. I send my best regards to the Chinese people and I wish each and every Chinese family happiness and health!"

At noon on May 7, inside the Kremlin, the inauguration of the president of the Russian Federation took place. As the clock began striking, Vladimir Putin passed through the St. George Hall and the St. Alexander Hall, before reaching the St. Andrew Hall, where he was met by Valery Zorkin, chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. Having been handed the symbols of office, Putin officially became the president of the Russian Federation for a fourth, six-year term, after previously coming into office in 2000, 2004 and 2012.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "For your fourth presidential inauguration, did you feel any difference compared with your previous inaugurations?"

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "As to my new term as the president of the Russian Federation, I think you've read about my remarks. Our top priorities will be the country's sustainable development, continued economic growth, an innovation-driven economy, upgrading infrastructure, healthcare, education, and of course guaranteeing national security. This is something we're working for, as a team. While adhering to international law and respecting our partners' interests, we will meanwhile safeguard our own interests and pay close attention to our standing on the world stage. In this regard, I would like to point out that we've always stressed cooperation with our traditionally reliable partners, allies and friends, which, without doubt, includes the People's Republic of China."

On March 1, 2018, President Putin, during his third term in office, delivered the State of the Nation address to the Federation Council and State Duma. The speech came later than usual, as according to political convention, the Russian president delivers the State of the Nation address at the end of each year. The two-hour long speech, delivered just before the presidential election, was viewed by observers as Putin's fourth-term presidential campaign manifesto. He took the opportunity to call on Russians to strive to action, assume their responsibilities and create together the Russia of their dreams.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "I've noticed that since the State of the Nation address this year, you have talked about your "Dream of Russia" on several occasions. Right now the Chinese people are working hard to realize the Chinese Dream envisioned by President Xi Jinping. What does your "Dream of Russia" share with the 'Chinese Dream'? "

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Russia and China are neighbors. Through centuries of mutual dialogues and interactions, we've formed a profound historical bond and strong foundation. Indeed the relationship is based on our mutual interests.

As you know, in 2001 we've signed the treaty of friendship, which has supplied the essential foundation for the towering edifice of our current bilateral ties. Each year this great building has been renewing itself and has seen new floors added and has its structure continuously strengthened. This has not been a matter of luck.

Now, let me quote President Xi Jinping's speech at the 19th CPC National Congress. What's the most important part? How did the Chinese president put it? It is to improve our people's lives. There are many ways and manners to achieve this, but the goal is the same. In Russia, except to improve the living standards of our citizens, there's no other goal. For this purpose, we've been studying how to build Russia's relations with China, how to accomplish our objectives and guarantee external security, how to encourage innovation, the digital economy and genetic technologies, how to build a modern harmonious society and nation, and how to improve our economic governance and foster the new economy. Therefore we have a great deal in common. I'm confident that our efforts will bring fresh achievements."

Summit diplomacy plays a vital strategic role in the development of relations between nations. In recent years, guided and promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin, China-Russia relations have reached a historical high. Following President Xi's state visit to Russia in March 2013, the two have met frequently. Their encounters have included state visits and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of major international summits. Over the past five years, Presidents Xi and Putin have met on more than 20 occasions – five times in 2017 alone. On July 4, 2017, in Moscow, President Putin presented President Xi with Russia's highest state honor, the Order of St. Andrew.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "In the past year, you've held the most meetings with China's leaders and talked with President Xi Jinping on five separate occasions. People in China were especially impressed when you presented President Xi with Russia's highest Order of St Andrew. Can you tell us about your impression of President Xi?"

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "You know, this is awkward to talk about. It relates to my private views and our personal relationship. Perhaps President Xi is the only national leader who has celebrated my birthday with me. I've never had such a relationship or arrangement with any other foreign colleague, but I did it with President Xi. Actually that birthday celebration was rather simple; I've talked about it in public and there's nothing secret. To tell the truth, we just had some vodka together and carved some sausage. I don't know if he will be upset with me for saying this. It was after a full day's work and then President Xi came for my birthday. It's a bit of a digression, but to talk about President Xi, I would like to start with it.

He is approachable and sincere. But he's also a very dependable man to work with. To be sure, when we talk about a certain matter, I would approach it from my standpoint and I understand he would approach it from his standpoint. Both would try to fulfil his respective duties. This is the first point.

Secondly, to be honest, like leaders of other countries, he would do his best to maximize what he could achieve for the benefits of his people.

He is a remarkable thinker who likes to analyze problems. It's very interesting to talk with him about issues regarding world affairs and economy. So, as far as I'm concerned, he is an appropriate partner and a good friend I can count on."

From June 6 to 10, President Xi and President Putin will meet again; this time in Qingdao, China, where the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit will be held. This is the second time, after Beijing in 2012, that the summit will take place in China, where the SCO was inaugurated. It's also the first SCO summit to be held since its membership was expanded.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "In just a few days, you will head for Qingdao to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, and also pay a state visit to China. Now, as the SCO embraces more member states, it will need more power and efficiency in execution. So how can we achieve that?"

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization used to be a low-profile organization when it was first established. It was primarily aimed at solving border issues between China, Russia and the former Soviet Union members.

As I mentioned, our objective was quite small. But as we worked together on these small issues, we found similarities between us. We realized that together we could achieve something bigger, grander, other than solving border issues.

The SCO has developed. Obviously it has become a more global organization after India and Pakistan officially joined the group. In fact, the SCO member states account for one fourth of the world's GDP, 43 per cent of the international population and 23 per cent of global territory. These are very substantial and huge resources. Plus, we have seen Asia's economic growth accelerated, especially with China and India making big strides forward. Russia will also provide momentum for new growth to keep up the pace. In addition, there's our military potential. Of course, we are not raising rivalries against anyone. This is simply a necessary condition to ensure multilateral cooperation between the member states and other countries, no matter which continent these countries are on.

Uniting these strong powers will undoubtedly become an important factor for our development, and one that could influence the world, in a positive way, I believe."

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city. It is well known for its seafood and beer, would you care to try?"

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "Sure, I would love to. I like seafood and beer, but I will try not to drink too much. I would like to have a taste and I will do so."

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established in Shanghai 17 years ago, on June 14, 2001. It has grown from its original six member states to an organization comprising eight member and four observer states, along with six dialogue partners. The SCO has won worldwide recognition by championing international relations based on mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation. This year also marks the fifth anniversary of the "One Belt One Road" initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Most of the SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners lie along the ancient Silk Road and share the Silk Road heritage. Therefore, how the SCO can coordinate its activities effectively with the "One Belt One Road" initiative will be a focus of the Qingdao Summit.

SHEN HAIXIONG, PRESIDENT CHINA MEDIA GROUP "It has been five years since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative. President Xi said that he raised the initiative in order to create a common community with a shared future for mankind. So what is your understanding on this practice for a global well-being?"

VLADIMIR PUTIN RUSSIAN PRESIDENT "We have always been a firm supporter to this initiative. President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative incorporates concepts of the economy and humanity. The essence of the initiative is to develop both the economy and infrastructure. We think the Belt and Road Initiative is a beneficial and promising initiative. It matches our efforts to establish an alliance in the Eurasian economy.

On May 17th, China and the Eurasian Economic Union signed deals on economic and trade cooperation in Kazakhstan's capital Astana. This agreement not only touches on issues such as lowering tariffs, but also involves other important matters, including policies on trade and technology, as well as plant quarantine measures. In fact, it was a significant step for further eliminating restrictions on economic development and cooperation.

And we believe that President Xi's initiative has a wider global vision in boosting cooperation and development for all countries and continents, for Russia's initiative is focusing on integration in Eurasian economic development. I think the two initiatives will produce better results if working together and we recognize the importance in doing so. For instance, in infrastructure, we know that our Chinese partners are very interested in the Northern Sea Route and we welcome that.

But that is only one of the directions in our cooperation. China and Russia have great plans in industrial cooperation as well as constructing railway infrastructure. The cooperation prospects are tremendous and promising. They will also lay a sound foundation for boosting future cooperation.

China is Russia's biggest trading partner. Last year, the total trade volume between the two countries reached 87 billion US dollars, and the growth of last year's first four months was equivalent to the total growth of the previous year. That was very good momentum and we need to maintain it and boost it."