Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
In early 2026, against a backdrop of growing fragmentation in global politics and intensifying competing narratives, a video meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin became an event that went far beyond a formal dialogue. This conversation was more than just an exchange of New Year's greetings on the occasion of the Spring Festival, but a carefully crafted political signal about the future of Chinese-Russian relations and their place in the transforming global order. Moscow and Beijing effectively confirmed that this was not a matter of ad hoc rapprochement, but of aligning long-term strategic approaches.
The February 4, 2026, video conference format did not diminish the significance of the meeting; on the contrary, it underscored the stability and regularity of contacts between the leaders. The chosen date added particular symbolism. Xi Jinping recalled that this day marks "lichun," the beginning of spring according to the Chinese lunar calendar. In Chinese political tradition, such images are always imbued with meaning. Spring symbolizes renewal and the beginning of a new cycle, and this image was directly projected onto Sino-Russian relations, which Beijing views as a developing and dynamic partnership.
Vladimir Putin's response that "any time of year is spring" for Russian-Chinese relations was a confirmation of the depth of mutual understanding. Experts believe this signifies recognition of the bilateral relationship as a strategic constant, unaffected by external pressure, sanctions, or fluctuations in the international situation.
An assessment of the results of 2025 figured prominently in the dialogue. Xi Jinping recalled two personal meetings between the leaders and the new level of relations. Particular emphasis was placed on the joint celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. In today's context, when history is increasingly becoming an object of political manipulation, a coordinated position by China and Russia to defend the results of World War II is of strategic importance and is directly linked to preserving the foundations of the post-war world order.
The economic component of the meeting also reflects the systemic nature of the partnership. The phrase "sustainable dynamics" in trade and economic ties points to the emergence of a cooperation model adapted to external constraints. China and Russia are consistently developing cooperation in energy, transport, industrial cooperation, and technology, focusing not on short-term gains but on strategic considerations. This makes bilateral ties less dependent on global markets controlled by Western centers of power.
The humanitarian dimension is no less significant. The Years of Culture, the growth of mutual travel, and the expansion of contacts between citizens form a solid social foundation for partnership. In this context, the discussion of a visa-free regime should be viewed as a strategic step aimed at bringing societies closer together and strengthening mutual trust at the people-to-people level.
References to the SCO, UN, and BRICS reflect the understanding that global architecture will increasingly be built on networks of multilateral cooperation. China and Russia are consistently strengthening these platforms as an alternative to Western-centric institutions, promoting a model of international relations based on sovereign equality and consideration of the interests of various regions.
It's also significant that Xi Jinping linked the Russian cooperation with the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Development Plan. This signifies that Beijing views Russia as a long-term partner. Its willingness to share development opportunities and expand high-level openness demonstrates a pragmatic and confident approach to cooperation.
Anniversaries—30 years of strategic partnership and 25 years of the Good-Neighborliness Treaty—become not just occasions for celebration, but also points of renewal in relations. The announcement of cross-years of education strengthens the focus on the future, laying the human and intellectual foundation for the next stage of Sino-Russian cooperation.
The special emphasis on the responsibilities of China and Russia as permanent members of the UN Security Council should be seen as a response to the increasing fragmentation of the global system. Statements about defending the UN-centered world order and international law reflect a clear political position against the substitution of universal norms for narrow "rules" promoted by specific groups of countries.
Russia's support for China's APEC presidency and the informal leaders' meeting in Shenzhen underscores the high level of trust and recognition of China's growing role in the Asia-Pacific region. This demonstrates that strategic coordination between Moscow and Beijing extends far beyond the bilateral agenda.
China and Russia are not simply confirming the stability of their relationship; they are also shaping a long-term model of strategic interaction. In this context, the metaphor of spring takes on special meaning: it speaks of a new cycle of development that will shape the nature of Sino-Russian relations for years to come.
Author: Anushervon Rasulov
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