Russia and China are strengthening their strategic partnership

During a state visit to Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a joint statement outlining a far-reaching vision for bilateral relations between the two countries. The occasion marked the 30th anniversary of the strategic partnership as well as the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.

As IntelliNews reported, Putin’s trip came just a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing. Trump had attempted to open Chinese markets more widely to U.S. companies and to persuade China to play a more active role in resolving the Iran conflict, but made no significant progress in doing so.

The Sino-Russian statement builds on a joint essay of approximately 8,000 words that Putin and Xi had already published last year. In it, they outline their vision of a multipolar world order that challenges the Western-dominated status quo that has existed since the end of World War II.

At the heart of this vision is the view that the Global South is gaining increasing influence and should participate on an equal footing in shaping international policy. Every country should be able to determine its own internal affairs, while international cooperation must be based on mutual respect. At the same time, both countries criticize sanctions, political interference, and protectionist trade practices.

Joint stance against Western influence

Xi Jinping spoke particularly clearly at the meeting about the tensions between China and the U.S. He referred to the so-called “Thucydides Trap” and warned of an escalation if China’s aspirations regarding Taiwan were hindered.

Against this backdrop, Xi and Putin emphasized that relations between their countries had now reached the “highest level in history.” They stated that the partnership is largely independent of external pressure and is based on the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and the shared pursuit of a multipolar world order.

In the joint statement, both sides reaffirmed their rejection of unilateral sanctions not authorized by the UN Security Council. They also criticized various Western security and economic structures that, in their view, contribute to geopolitical tensions.

Another focus of the agreement is on deepening military cooperation. Additional joint exercises, air and sea patrols, and closer coordination on security policy are planned. However, both governments emphasize that their partnership is not directed against third countries.

Trade and investment continue to grow

Economic cooperation is also set to be further expanded. Bilateral trade volume reached approximately $240 billion last year. By comparison, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, mutual trade stood at only about $5 billion in the early 1990s.

Russia and China plan to intensify cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, logistics, finance, and future technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. In addition, both countries aim to expand the use of their national currencies in bilateral trade to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.

In the energy sector, however, the expected breakthrough failed to materialize. Putin had hoped to reach an agreement during his visit on the construction of the “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline, which is intended to deliver Russian natural gas from Western Siberia to China. However, negotiations continued to stall due to differing views on prices and supply volumes.

Nevertheless, both sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen cooperation in the areas of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and renewable energy. In addition, work on the Tianwan and Xudapu nuclear power plant projects is to continue.

Focus on Eurasian Transport and Infrastructure Projects

Moscow and Beijing also attach great importance to the expansion of transport and logistics connections. Planned investments include rail links between China and Europe via Russian territory, the further development of the Northern Sea Route, and the expansion of border infrastructure.

These projects are intended to create alternative trade routes and reduce dependence on maritime routes. In particular, recent tensions in the Middle East and the temporary blockage of key sea lanes have underscored the importance of land-based transport corridors.

Among the most important projects are the Russia–Mongolia–China Economic Corridor, the Europe–Western China Corridor, and the further development of the New Silk Road (Belt and Road Initiative).

In addition to the economy and infrastructure, both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, healthcare, media, and tourism. Furthermore, visa facilitation is to be further expanded to promote exchanges between the two populations.

Joint Position on International Conflicts

The declaration also contains numerous foreign policy positions. Both countries criticize NATO’s eastward expansion, various U.S. missile defense projects, and security alliances such as AUKUS. They also oppose unilateral sanctions, the seizure of assets, and trade restrictions.

Russia reaffirmed its support for the One-China principle and rejects any independence for Taiwan. China, in turn, expressed understanding for Russia’s positions regarding national sovereignty and external interference.

With regard to the war in Ukraine, both countries are calling for negotiations and a political solution to the conflict. In this context, Moscow praised Beijing’s stance, which it described as balanced and objective.

Furthermore, Russia and China signaled broad agreement on numerous regional issues, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, the Korean Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, Africa, Latin America, and the Arctic.

Although the statement does not establish a formal alliance, it underscores the ongoing strategic rapprochement between the two countries. While Moscow and Beijing continue to emphasize that they do not seek to form a traditional bloc, the scope and depth of their cooperation point to a long-term partnership that is increasingly influencing the global geopolitical order.