Ties with Russia expected to bear fruits

As 2026 marks several major anniversaries between China and Russia, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the hope that bilateral relations will deliver more outcomes while exchanging New Year greetings on Wednesday.

In his message, Xi extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to Putin and the Russian people on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Also, 2026 and 2027 are set to be designated as the China-Russia Years of Education.

Xi expressed his readiness to maintain close exchanges with Putin to "jointly push for continuous new progress" in bilateral ties in the new era.

Putin conveyed his heartfelt New Year greetings to Xi, wishing the Chinese people happiness and well-being. He expressed his readiness to continue maintaining close communication with Xi on bilateral relations and major international issues.

In his message, Xi said that 2025 marked "a solid step taken in the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era".

During the past year, reciprocal visa-free policies were implemented between the two countries, construction of an energy corridor progressed steadily, and cooperation in emerging sectors flourished, he noted.

Putin said that Russia and China have actively expanded economic and trade cooperation, with major collaborative projects advancing steadily. The mutual visa exemption has greatly facilitated personnel exchanges, he added.

Observers said high-level interactions kept bilateral ties on a stable path in 2025, with the two heads of state meeting in Moscow in May and Beijing in September.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn