Raphael Oni
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting on February 4, exchanging Spring Festival greetings and discussing ways to deepen their countries’ strategic partnership. Xi noted that the Beginning of Spring, a Chinese lunar calendar solar term, signals a new start, and he’s ready to work with Putin to draw a new blueprint for China-Russia relations.
The leaders reviewed their countries’ progress, including commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory, deepening economic and trade exchanges, and concluding the China-Russia Years of Culture. They also discussed increasing multilateral coordination and building a more just and equitable global governance system.
Xi highlighted China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and its commitment to high-standard opening up, sharing development opportunities with Russia and other countries. Putin expressed confidence in the bilateral relationship, emphasizing cooperation in trade, energy, science, and technology.
The presidents agreed to seize historic opportunities, including the 30th anniversary of their strategic partnership and the China-Russia Years of Education, to deepen strategic coordination and cooperation. They also exchanged views on international and regional issues, with Xi stressing the importance of upholding fairness, justice, and global strategic stability.
