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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
Moscow, December 17 /Xinhua/ — Chinese-Russian relations will continue to develop rapidly and reach new heights in 2025, according to Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui. In an interview with RIA Novosti published on Wednesday, the diplomat summarized the results of Chinese-Russian cooperation in the past year.
"In the year marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin made reciprocal visits and participated in commemorative events in Russia and China. The two leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening their comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era, outlined a strategic plan for the development of bilateral relations, jointly reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the results of World War II and the post-war international order, and opened a new chapter in upholding international justice," Zhang Hanhui recalled.
Speaking about practical cooperation between the two countries, the ambassador declared that new progress had been achieved while maintaining stability. "Bilateral trade remains stable overall. From January to November of this year, trade turnover amounted to $203.67 billion, exceeding $200 billion for the third consecutive year," he noted, adding that the trade structure is continuously being optimized, the range of trading entities is expanding, and improvements to the legal system are making fruitful progress.
Zhang Hanhui noted the successful implementation of key joint projects. "The eastern route of the China-Russia gas pipeline is operating at full capacity. Construction of the Far Eastern route for natural gas supplies from Russia to China is progressing steadily. Freight throughput via the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk road crossing and the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway crossing has increased significantly. The first Arctic container express route between China and Europe has been successfully launched," he stated.
The Chinese diplomat praised the dynamic development of interregional cooperation. He stated that the continuous unleashing of the potential of regional cooperation imbues the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia with new meaning.
Zhang Hanhui highlighted the remarkable achievements of humanitarian cooperation, including the successful conclusion of the China-Russia Years of Culture. "Hundreds of events—from museum exhibitions to film screenings, from theater and performing arts to youth innovation exchanges—enriched the cultural life of our peoples and strengthened their sense of closeness, giving new impetus to strengthening mutual understanding and the centuries-old Chinese-Russian friendship," the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation stated.
Furthermore, the decision to introduce a trial visa-free regime between the two countries was another step toward mutual understanding and opened up new travel opportunities for the peoples of China and Russia. "I am confident that mutual visits between our citizens will continue to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples," Zhang Hanhui added.
Summing up bilateral cooperation on the international stage, the diplomat emphasized that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS are key platforms for Chinese-Russian strategic interaction, promoting multilateralism, deepening practical cooperation, and consolidating the Global South. "President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO summit in Tianjin and received a positive response and support from President Vladimir Putin, which clearly demonstrates the high level and unique nature of Chinese-Russian relations—a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction in the new era," the ambassador noted.
Zhang Hanhui assured that China consistently advocates for the formation of a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations. "In global affairs, China consistently supports the UN-centric international system and calls for resolving global issues through joint discussions. Starting in the new era, Chinese diplomacy has actively promoted coordination and constructive interaction between major countries," he stated, noting that China is ready to maintain close contacts with Russia, the United States, and other countries on international affairs.
The diplomat also stated that China and Russia are in close communication on resolving the Ukrainian crisis and regularly exchange views on this issue at various levels. He emphasized that China always stands for peace and is actively working towards this end.
The ambassador recalled that the coming year 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between China and Russia. He believes that over the past quarter century, Chinese-Russian relations have withstood the test of international instability, always maintained momentum, and reached an unprecedented high.
"In the new year, the two sides will continue to uphold the spirit of eternal good-neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation, advance the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era to new heights on a larger scale and a deeper foundation, and make joint contributions to safeguarding world peace and stability, upholding international justice, and promoting the common prosperity of mankind," Zhang Hanhui concluded.
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