Amid global uncertainties from rising trade protectionism to unilateralism, China and Russia are showing resilient momentum. In 2024, bilateral trade soared to a record $244.8Â billion, up 1.9Â percent year-on-year, underscoring the strength of their strategic partnership.
According to Andrey Denisov, first deputy chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to China, the frequent, high-level exchanges guided by the two heads of state have been critical to maintaining steady growth in bilateral relations.
From May 7 to 10, President Xi Jinping will make a state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. He will also attend celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The trip is widely expected to reinforce head-of-state diplomacy as a driver of the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
Cornerstone of Trust
Over the past decade, Xi and Putin have met more than 40 times on bilateral and multilateral stages. Their candid, strategic discussions have become the cornerstone of a stable, evolving relationship. In 2013, Xi chose Russia as the first destination of his state visit as head of state, signaling a new phase of mutual trust and support. During Xi's visit to Moscow in June 2019, the leaders elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, opening a fresh chapter in bilateral cooperation. After Xi's re-election in March 2023, his first trip abroad again was to Russia, and President Putin reciprocated with a visit to China in May 2024.
President Putin has praised their collaboration, noting, "President Xi maintains a respectful, friendly, open, and at the same time business-like style of communication. Their meetings are not only dialogues between old friends, but also productive discussions on bilateral and global issues."
Stability Amid Uncertainty
At the start of 2025, Xi and Putin held a virtual meeting to set the tone for the year ahead. They pledged to deepen strategic cooperation, drive national development, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. President Xi emphasized his readiness to work with President Putin to guide their relationship to new heights and to leverage its stability and resilience in the face of external challenges.
Ma Youjun, an expert at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, observed that head-of-state diplomacy has made China-Russia relations mature, dynamic, and resilient—injecting vitality into the partnership and stability into the broader international landscape.
The Chinese foreign ministry expressed confidence that President Xi's upcoming visit will deepen political mutual trust, enhance strategic coordination, and expand practical cooperation—delivering tangible benefits to both peoples and positive energy to the international community.
Reference(s):
Head-of-state diplomacy injects new vitality into China-Russia ties
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