In a significant move to bolster their strategic partnership, China and Russia have agreed to enhance strategic communication and cooperation. Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, on Tuesday in St. Petersburg.
Wang Yi emphasized China’s willingness to enrich the strategic dimensions of bilateral ties, highlighting that the stable and healthy development of China-Russia relations is fundamentally guided by the heads of state of both nations. “Faced with unprecedented changes in a century, our partnership stands as a pillar of stability in international affairs,” Wang stated.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Wang noted that both countries have maintained exchanges at all levels, implemented important consensus reached by their leaders, and further consolidated the political and social foundations of their eternal good-neighborliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation.
He underscored the importance of strengthening strategic communication, utilizing mechanisms such as the China-Russia strategic security consultation and the BRICS Meeting of High Representatives on National Security. “China is committed to working with Russia to continuously enrich the strategic connotations of our relations,” Wang added.
Expressing support for Russia’s role as the rotating chair of BRICS, Wang conveyed China’s readiness to deepen mutual trust and cooperation among BRICS nations. He emphasized the goal of shaping BRICS into a major channel for emerging powers to voice their perspectives and an important platform for solidarity and cooperation within the “Global South.” Wang also highlighted the potential for creating new paradigms for “BRICS+” cooperation.
Sergei Shoigu acknowledged the high level of Russia-China strategic cooperation, noting that high-level exchanges and fruitful collaborations across various fields have underscored this strong partnership. He expressed gratitude for China’s support during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship and affirmed Russia’s willingness to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with China. “We aim to ensure the success of the upcoming BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan next month,” Shoigu stated.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advocating and practicing true multilateralism. The Russian side emphasized its support for China’s role as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), aiming to enhance the SCO’s efficiency, pragmatism, and cohesiveness to inject stability into a world facing turmoil.
The meeting also involved an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis. Shoigu elaborated on Russia’s position and welcomed the “six-point consensus” jointly proposed by China and Brazil, noting its widespread recognition by the international community. Wang Yi reiterated China’s objective and fair stance on the Ukraine issue, emphasizing China’s commitment to increasing balanced, objective, and rational voices internationally. “We seek to gather more consensus and create the necessary conditions for an early ceasefire and a political resolution to the crisis,” Wang said.
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China, Russia agree to strengthen strategic consultation, cooperation
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