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 agreement, reached during a meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, aims to bolster political trust, strategic coordination, and practical cooperation amid a volatile international landscape. The two leaders also issued a joint statement advocating for a multipolar world and a new type of international relations, accompanied by 20 cooperation agreements spanning economic, educational, scientific, and technological areas.
This meeting marked Putin’s 25th visit to China since assuming office in 2000, highlighting the deep-rooted and unique ties between the two nations. Xi emphasized that the China-Russia relationship, established as a strategic partnership 30 years ago, has reached unprecedented heights, setting a global example for major-country relations. He reaffirmed the countries’ commitment to the treaty’s principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties. Xi called for continued support on core interests, close strategic communication, and consolidation of political trust.
Over recent years, China and Russia have strengthened their cooperation across various fields, with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion annually for three consecutive years. In early 2026, trade between the two countries saw a 20% increase. Xi urged both nations to leverage this momentum to align China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Russia’s 2030 development strategy, enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of opposing unilateralism and fostering a just global governance system, urging China and Russia to uphold international law and UN authority.
Putin expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations, describing them as self-sufficient and independent of the international situation. He committed to deepening the partnership, strengthening people-to-people bonds, and supporting both nations’ development. Putin also emphasized cooperation within international structures like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS to address pressing global and regional challenges. Following their discussions, China announced an extension of its visa-free policy for Russian citizens until 2027, with Russia reciprocating for Chinese citizens.
During their talks, Xi and Putin also addressed critical international issues, including the Middle East conflict. Xi called for an immediate end to hostilities and emphasized the importance of negotiations. He noted that resolving the conflict would stabilize energy supplies and international trade. The meeting concluded with a welcoming banquet in honor of Putin, underscoring the ongoing commitment to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia.