Русский
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has held discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is visiting Moscow to take part in the annual Heads of Government meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Russia is the current chair. Putin’s comments are prefixed with VP, Li Qiang’s with LQ, and our comments as RPA. This is what they had to say:
VP: “I am delighted to meet with you again in Moscow.
Russia and China’s close cooperation within the SCO format contributes to its emergence as a pillar of the multipolar world order, the involvement of the Global South countries in its activities, and the formation of an open and non-discriminatory international trading system. I believe that this year’s meeting of the SCO Council of the Heads of Government seamlessly complemented the efforts of our Chinese friends during their presidency, which successfully concluded with the summit in Tianjin.
I recall my visit to that wonderful, modern, and beautiful Chinese city, as well as my in-depth discussions with my friend, President Xi Jinping, both in Tianjin and later in Beijing.
The comprehensive Russian-Chinese relations of partnership and strategic interaction, having entered a new era, are experiencing the best period in their history. They are built upon the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual support on issues affecting each other’s core interests.
The 30th session in the format of regular meetings between Russian and Chinese heads of government was recently held in Hangzhou and was very productive. Immediately upon his return, Russian Prime Minister Mishustin reported to me about the results of his detailed talks with you, as well as his meeting with President Xi Jinping. I am pleased to note that our governments, ministries, and agencies are working in close coordination to implement the full range of practical agreements reached at the highest level.”
RPA: Russia-China trade has decreased during 2025, both as a result of sanctions pressures, but more importantly, as a result of trade imbalances and a lack of Russian coordination and penetration of the huge Chinese market. Efforts are being made to address these issues; for example, the two sides are considering a portfolio of investment cooperation projects worth a total of more than US$200 billion. The key to understanding the current situation in bilateral trade development is ‘diversification.’
VP: “We highly appreciate your personal efforts, Mr. Premier, and your personal contribution to this work. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our Chinese colleagues on the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which set forth the main guidelines for China’s development in the next five years, to 2030. We are confident that all the goals set will be fully achieved. We know—and I personally know this well from my work with President Xi Jinping – that everything he sets out to accomplish is implemented.
Last year, we achieved the highest levels of mutual trade in the entire history of our bilateral relations. We will continue to develop trade cooperation in line with the approved long-term plans.”
RPA: 2024 bilateral trade reached US$244.8 billion. 2025 figures are expected to be about US$218 billion.
VP: “It is essential to safeguard our trade and economic collaboration from adverse external influences. The implementation of a broad array of joint sectoral projects in energy, industry, space, and agriculture will elevate our partnership to a new qualitative level and reinforce its technological foundation. Undoubtedly, the training of qualified personnel demands attention. In this context, the designation of 2026–2027 as the Years of Education of Russia and China will prove highly advantageous. We have planned this initiative. In my view, it is both timely and exemplary.
Humanitarian exchanges are progressing positively. The Cross Years of Culture are drawing to a successful close.
The decision by our Chinese friends to introduce a visa-free regime for Russian citizens will undoubtedly further expand contacts between our peoples. We appreciate this gesture of goodwill. In reciprocation, corresponding measures for citizens of the People’s Republic of China visiting Russia will take effect in the nearest future. I am confident this will yield significant outcomes in both the economic and humanitarian spheres. In my opinion, it will serve as a distinctly positive boost to the advancement of our relations.”
LQ: “Thank you very much, Mr. President. It is a great honor for me to return to the splendid city of Moscow and to meet with you once again.
Under the strategic leadership of our countries’ heads of state, the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction between China and Russia in the new era continue to flourish. Since the outset of this year, President Xi Jinping and you, Mr. President, have met twice, setting a clear trajectory for the deepening of China-Russia relations.
Confronted with an unpredictable and unstable international landscape, we are prepared to work alongside you, upholding the spirit of our enduring friendship, steadfastly adhering to the principles established by the two countries’ leaders, deepening the alignment of our development strategies, broadening practical cooperation across all areas, and delivering tangible results for the prosperity and progress of our nations.”
The China-Russia trade and investment space has been highly active this year. To access our full reports and opinions on these developments, please click here.
For assistance with understanding Russia-China trade issues, please contact us at info@russiaspivottoasia.com
Further Reading
