International: Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a two-day visit to China from May 19 to 20, marking his 25th trip to the country. During the visit, Putin held extensive and productive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the growing depth of bilateral relations.

One of the major outcomes of the visit was the extension of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Analysts say the leadership of the two heads of state has remained the most important driving force and fundamental guarantee behind the high-level development of bilateral ties.

Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin have maintained close communication through various channels and met more than 40 times on different occasions. Observers believe this reflects the unique and strategic nature of China-Russia relations.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the friendship and cooperation treaty between the two countries.

President Xi said China-Russia relations have entered a new stage of more dynamic and accelerated development. Putin, meanwhile, expressed Russia’s willingness to elevate bilateral relations to an even higher level. The two leaders also signed a joint statement aimed at strengthening comprehensive strategic coordination and deepening good-neighborly cooperation.

Li Ziguo, Director of the Eurasian Institute at the China Institute of International Studies, said the continued extension of the treaty demonstrates the solid political and legal foundation underpinning China-Russia relations.

The two sides also signed multiple cooperation agreements during the visit. Analysts say practical cooperation has become the core driving force behind the stable development of bilateral ties.

Bilateral trade has exceeded 200 billion US dollars for three consecutive years, while cooperation has expanded in key sectors such as energy, transportation, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and technological innovation. Recent years have seen China-Russia cooperation move from quantitative growth toward qualitative advancement.

Putin’s delegation included five deputy prime ministers, eight ministers, representatives of local banks, and executives from major enterprises. During the talks, Xi Jinping emphasized the need to strengthen overall planning for comprehensive cooperation and accelerate practical collaboration in trade, investment, energy resources, transport, and technological innovation.

Following the meeting, the two presidents witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation agreements covering trade, education, science, and technology. Additional agreements were also reached in other sectors during the visit.

As two major global powers, China and Russia also framed their cooperation within a broader international context. During discussions, the two leaders exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East.

The two countries jointly issued a statement supporting a multipolar world and a new type of international relations. Ma Bin, Deputy Director of the Russian and Central Asian Studies Center at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies, said that as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia should provide constructive solutions for regional peace and contribute stability to conflict-prone areas around the world.

Another key highlight of the visit was the launch of the “China-Russia Year of Education,” reflecting the long-standing friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

A symbolic moment during the visit drew particular public attention. Putin met again with Peng Pai, the “Chinese boy” with whom he had taken a photo in Beijing’s Beihai Park 26 years ago. The two exchanged greetings warmly. Peng, now an engineer, said that meeting Putin as a child inspired his interest in Russia and later encouraged him to pursue higher education in Moscow.

Analysts describe the story as a vivid example of China-Russia educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Today, educational cooperation between the two countries continues to flourish, with more than 80,000 students studying in each other’s countries. China and Russia have jointly established over 150 cooperative educational institutions and programs, helping younger generations strengthen mutual understanding and carry forward bilateral friendship.

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin also attended the opening ceremony of the “China-Russia Year of Education.” In his speech, Xi said both sides should use the initiative as an opportunity to further consolidate consensus, expand areas of cooperation, and elevate the level of collaboration.

The two leaders also toured a photo exhibition titled “Passing Friendship from Generation to Generation and Setting an Example for Major-Country Relations.” They viewed photographs documenting moments of friendship and cooperation between the two nations and fondly recalled years of bilateral exchanges.

From strategic coordination at the leadership level to expanding cooperation and warm personal interactions across generations, analysts say the visit offered the international community a deeper understanding of the enduring friendship between China and Russia.

Source: CMG (China Media Group)