Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Beijing on April 15, 2026, to coordinate preparations for an upcoming heads-of-state meeting and discuss pressing global issues, including the US-Iran conflict, Ukraine crisis, and Asia-Pacific stability. The talks underscored both nations' commitment to deepening their strategic partnership during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.
Wang emphasized that China-Russia relations have remained resilient despite global turbulence, crediting the 'strategic guidance' of both countries' leaders. He highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, marking the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness. The year also coincides with the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, signaling new opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
The ministers agreed to enhance collaboration within multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Wang specifically noted the importance of supporting Kyrgyzstan's upcoming SCO summit hosting duties and maintaining BRICS unity to safeguard Global South interests.
Lavrov criticized what he described as attempts by 'some countries' to create exclusionary alliances targeting Moscow and Beijing. Both sides pledged to align China's global initiatives with Russia's Eurasian partnership vision, while signing a 2026 consultation plan to formalize diplomatic coordination.
