In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. The decision, made during discussions at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, underscores their commitment to enhancing political mutual trust and strategic coordination amid a volatile international climate. This agreement came as Putin concluded a two-day state visit to China, during which the two leaders signed a joint statement to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership and witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents spanning various sectors, including the economy, trade, education, and science and technology.
Both nations expressed a shared vision for advocating a multipolar world and establishing a new type of international relations, as reflected in their joint statement. President Xi highlighted the landmark nature of Putin’s 25th visit to China since 2000, celebrating 30 years of the China-Russia strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of their treaty, last extended in 2021. Xi emphasized that the nations have adhered to principles of non-alliance and non-confrontation, contributing significantly to international fairness and justice. He called for continued strategic communication and robust political mutual trust to bolster bilateral relations further.
Economic cooperation between China and Russia has been notably fruitful, with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion annually for the past three years. The growth trajectory continued in early 2026 with a nearly 20 percent increase in trade. Xi urged both sides to align future developmental strategies, including China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Russia’s 2030 development strategy, to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. He stressed the importance of opposing unilateralism and supporting the United Nations’ authority to ensure global stability, advocating joint efforts to prevent a return to hegemonism and fascism.
President Putin spoke warmly of the unprecedented level of Russia-China relations, independent of global political shifts. He expressed confidence in the future of their partnership, emphasizing a commitment to deepen ties and foster people-to-people bonds. Both leaders agreed on the importance of upholding international law and cooperating within frameworks like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS to address global and regional challenges. As part of strengthening their alliance, China announced an extension of its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until 2027, with Russia reciprocating for Chinese citizens.
The talks also included discussions on international issues, particularly the Middle East, with Xi stressing the need for immediate cessation of hostilities and the importance of ongoing negotiations to stabilize the region. He noted that peace in the Middle East is vital for maintaining global trade and energy supply stability. The diplomatic engagement concluded with a welcoming banquet in honor of Putin, emphasizing the strengthening ties between the two nations.
