Russia, China deepen strategic partnership ahead of Putin’s Beijing visit

Russia and China’s strategic partnership, developed over 25 years under the Good-Neighbourliness Treaty, can be considered a model for other neighbouring states, according to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.

Speaking at a briefing, Ushakov said cooperation between Moscow and Beijing has reached an unprecedented level, describing it as a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction based on mutual support and friendship, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

He said the two countries consistently follow principles enshrined in the treaty, including respect for sovereignty, independent development paths, and coordination on key international issues.

“We are not friends against anyone, but rather work for peace and universal prosperity,” he emphasised.

Ushakov added that both Russia and China pursue independent foreign policies and support international law and the UN Charter.

Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Beijing, around 40 bilateral agreements are expected to be signed, covering cooperation in areas including industry, trade, transport, innovation, education, nuclear energy and cultural exchange.

“A document signing ceremony will take place following the negotiations. There are currently approximately 40 of them, and it has been agreed that 21 documents will be signed in the presence of the leaders, while the rest will simply be announced at the ceremony,” a Kremlin spokesperson said.

Ushakov noted that the final list of agreements will be published on the Russian presidential website.

During the visit, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to adopt a declaration on the formation of a multipolar world and a new type of international relations.

“This is a policy document, quite extensive, I would say – 47 pages, and it defines the main development paths for our entire range of multifaceted bilateral ties, a clear shared vision of pressing issues on the international agenda, and the main formats for interaction in global affairs,” he said.

Ushakov added that economic cooperation remains central to the relationship, noting that trade in national currencies has helped shield transactions from external pressure and instability, with almost all imports and exports now settled in rubles and yuan.

He also highlighted growth in energy cooperation, saying Russian oil exports to China have risen significantly since the beginning of the year, alongside continued gas deliveries, including liquefied natural gas.

“The driving force of economic cooperation [...] is our partnership in the energy sector,” he said. “Amid the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to maintain its role as a reliable supplier, and China as a responsible consumer of energy resources.”

Instead of a traditional written article, Putin has recorded a video message to Chinese citizens ahead of the visit, the Kremlin said.

By Sabina Mammadli