22nd September 2023 – (Moscow) Chinese experts have highlighted the stability, sustainability, and independence of China-Russia relations following the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Moscow. Wang’s four-day trip included meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior officials, underscoring the commitment of both nations to enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and consolidate the public and social foundation of the China-Russia friendship.
During his meeting with Putin, Wang reaffirmed China’s willingness to work together with Russia based on the important consensus reached by the two leaders. The focus was on strengthening multilateral strategic cooperation, safeguarding legitimate rights and interests, and promoting a fair and reasonable international order. Putin expressed Russia’s appreciation and support for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and emphasized the need to enhance connectivity between the Eurasian Economic Union and the BRI to foster regional integration.
Despite facing unilateral sanctions imposed by the US and the West, Russia has made significant strides in recovering and growing its economy this year, with various functions operating normally, according to Putin. Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that the dialogue between China and Russia aims to maintain global and regional stability and does not seek bloc confrontation.
The stable world order and ongoing cooperation between China and Russia also provide opportunities for further expansion in economic and trade cooperation. Putin has confirmed his upcoming visit to China next month, marking his first foreign trip of 2023. The visit is seen as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. However, specific dates for the visit have not been disclosed yet.
In addition, the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is scheduled to be held in Beijing in October this year. Mao Ning, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, emphasized that China and BRI partners are actively communicating and preparing for the event. The forum will provide a platform for countries and partners engaged in Belt and Road cooperation to explore more possibilities and achieve development together.
Before Wang’s visit to Russia, he held meetings in Malta with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Experts believe that China, as a third party between the US and Russia, is facilitating information communication between the two countries through its own efforts.
While some Western media outlets have hyped up the “China-Russia alliance theory,” experts argue that it is an attempt to shift blame for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Zhang explained that the West is responsible for the shift in Europe’s security order from dialogue to competition and confrontation, and their strategy of fueling conflicts and isolation has not yielded the expected results.
The visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to Russia has reaffirmed the strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations. It underscores their commitment to strategic cooperation, regional stability, and the promotion of a fair international order. As China and Russia continue to strengthen their ties, their collaboration holds significant implications for the global geopolitical landscape.