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
Beijing, February 11 (Xinhua) — In the nearly three decades since the establishment of a partnership and strategic interaction between Russia and China, a comprehensive architecture of multifaceted cooperation has been established, encompassing virtually every conceivable area of interaction. The two countries have built a relationship that has become an example of good-neighborliness and cooperation for other countries in the 21st century. This was stated by Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov in a written interview with Xinhua News Agency on the occasion of Diplomats' Day, celebrated annually in Russia on February 10.
According to I. Morgulov, the key driver of Russian-Chinese relations is leadership diplomacy. The recent "pre-New Year" videoconference between the two heads of state set the benchmark for bilateral cooperation this year.
Today, Russian-Chinese relations are mature and stable, characterized by a high level of political trust, the ambassador noted, adding that the two countries maintain regular dialogue at all levels and coordinate their positions on key international and regional issues.
Discussing the results of bilateral practical cooperation, I. Morgulov noted that Russian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation is developing rapidly. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover once again surpassed the $200 billion mark, with significant headway. China remains firmly in its position as Russia's main trading partner, while Russia ranks fifth among China's major counterparties.
Energy partnership is progressing steadily. The "eastern" route of the Russian-Chinese gas pipeline has reached its target capacity. A number of joint energy projects are ongoing. Furthermore, cooperation between the two countries is steadily expanding in investment, agricultural and food products, passenger and freight transport, high-tech industries, and other areas.
In recent years, the Years of Chinese-Russian Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation, the Years of Chinese-Russian Cooperation in Physical Education and Sports, the Years of Chinese-Russian Culture and other thematic cross-years between China and Russia have been held successively. In particular, 2026-2027 will be the Cross-Years of Education in the two countries.
"Over 400 events were held during the Years of Culture, which concluded in 2025, including mutual tours of leading artistic groups, exhibition exchanges between major museums, cross-cultural festivals celebrating national traditions, and much more," the ambassador said, adding that the Years, which focus on humanitarian cooperation, help consolidate the social foundation of bilateral relations.
"We are ready to utilize the cross-year format as widely as possible as a tool of 'people-to-people diplomacy,' which has proven its effectiveness in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Russia and China," he said.
Regarding the successful implementation of a mutual visa-free policy by China and Russia in 2025, according to the Russian diplomat, the visa waiver has not only significantly increased interest in mutual travel but has already had a significant impact on tourist flow.
"The number of Russian visits to China has increased by almost 40 percent, with the majority of them arriving under the visa-free regime. We also expect a surge in demand for domestic tourism products from Chinese travelers," he said.
"The continued, progressive expansion of cooperation demonstrates how two major powers with different civilizational roots, social systems, and development paths, through political wisdom, have built relations that have become an example of good-neighborliness and cooperation for other countries in the 21st century," noted I. Morgulov. He emphasized: "It is important that the rapprochement between Russia and China is not directed against anyone."
In 2025, China successfully hosted the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and Russia hosted the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States in Moscow.
"Over the SCO's quarter-century of existence, Russia and China have shoulder to shoulder navigated all stages of its development, transforming it into an association that encompasses a significant portion of the Eurasian continent and serves as a key point of attraction for countries in the region," noted I. Morgulov.
According to him, the Russian side highly values China's presidency of the SCO. Its motto, "Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: The SCO in Action," was fully reflected in the adoption of numerous significant documents at the Tianjin Summit, including the SCO Development Strategy to 2035. Russia shares the ideas voiced by the Chinese side at the Tianjin Summit regarding the need to reform the global governance system.
The ambassador noted that Russia and China maintain close cooperation within multilateral platforms such as the UN and BRICS. "Our countries, as permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible global powers, work to maintain stability in Eurasia and throughout the world, strive to uphold the international legal system based on the key role of the UN in international affairs, and advocate for the formation of a multipolar world and an enhanced role for the Global South," he emphasized.
The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese-Russian strategic partnership and cooperation, as well as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between China and the Russian Federation. I. Morgulov described the upcoming commemorative dates as important milestones reflecting the evolution and defining the direction of bilateral cooperation.
"The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation legally enshrined such key concepts as eternal friendship, respect for chosen development paths, support for territorial integrity, and consideration of each other's interests. These time-tested principles ensure the exceptional stability of Russian-Chinese relations, protecting them from fluctuations in the international situation. The Treaty has created a unique space for strengthening trust between the two countries," the Russian diplomat stated.
2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Program for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030). "We in Russia, as good friends and neighbors, are sincerely pleased with the success of our Chinese partners in building a modern, knowledge-intensive economy and ensuring a high standard of living for our citizens," said I. Morgulov.
According to him, the CPC Central Committee's proposals for developing the 15th Five-Year Program for National Economic and Social Development maintain the continuity of the socio-economic policy already being implemented, which provides unlimited opportunities for further deepening bilateral practical cooperation.
"Our countries' economies complement each other well. We are ready to steadily expand cooperation in all areas, implement joint cooperation projects, and effectively utilize each other's potential for economic and technological development and improving the lives of our peoples," the Russian Ambassador to China concluded.
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