On the morning of May 16, 2024, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The two heads of state first held a restricted meeting.
Xi Jinping extended heartfelt congratulations to Vladimir Putin on the commencement of his new presidential term, and extended a warm welcome to him for another state visit to China.
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic relations. Over the past 75 years, China-Russia relations have stood the test of time and grown stronger over time despite the changing international landscape and set a fine example of mutual respect, sincerity, amity and mutual benefit among major countries and neighbors. Steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world at large. China is ready to work with Russia to stay each other's good neighbors, good friends and good partners that trust each other, continue to consolidate the lasting friendship between the two peoples, and jointly pursue respective national development and revitalization and uphold fairness and justice in the world.
Xi Jinping stressed that the most important conclusion drawn from the 75-year history of China-Russia relations is that two major neighboring countries must always uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respect each other on an equal footing, trust each other, accommodate each other's concerns, and truly contribute to each other's development and revitalization. This is not only the right way for China and Russia to get along, but also the direction that major-country relations should strive for in the 21st century. China-Russia relations enjoy a profound historical foundation and solid public support. The two sides should keep closer strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation, firmly follow their own development paths and firmly uphold international fairness and justice.
Vladimir Putin said that he was glad to visit China again after assuming office for a new term as the Russian president. In March last year, shortly after his reelection, President Xi Jinping also paid a state visit to Russia. This is a friendly tradition of the two countries, which shows that both sides attach great importance to strengthening Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and also the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-China diplomatic relations, which deserves their joint celebration. The development of Russia-China relations is not a choice of expediency, does not target a third party and is conducive to international strategic stability. Russia is ready to continue to expand bilateral cooperation with China, keep close communication and coordination within the frameworks of the United Nations, BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and work for a more just and equitable international order.
The two heads of state then chaired large-group talks.
The two heads of state listened to reports from the co-chairs of the inter-governmental cooperation committees of the two countries on cooperation in such fields as investment, energy, economy and trade, Northeast China-Russian Far East, culture and international affairs, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved, and affirmed the proposals for future cooperation.
Xi Jinping pointed out that this year is an important milestone year in the history of China-Russia relations. Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Russia together have found a new path for major countries and neighboring countries to treat each other with respect and pursue amity and mutually beneficial cooperation. With the concerted efforts of the two sides, China-Russia relations have been moving forward steadily, with enhanced comprehensive strategic coordination and further cooperation on economy and trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges, at the sub-national level and in other fields. This has made positive contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting greater democracy in international relations. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. China is advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts and moving faster to foster new quality productive forces through high-quality development, which will add new drivers to global economic growth. Both China and Russia are permanent members of the UN Security Council and major emerging markets. It is the shared strategic choice of both countries to deepen strategic coordination, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and follow the general historical trend of multipolarity in the world and economic globalization. The two sides should take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point, further synergize development strategies, and continue to enrich the bilateral cooperation, to bring greater benefits to the two countries and peoples and contribute more positive energy to world prosperity and stability. The two sides should further optimize the structure of bilateral cooperation and consolidate the sound momentum of cooperation in traditional areas such as economy and trade. The two sides should create more highlights of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, work together to ensure the success of the China-Russia Years of Culture, strengthen sub-national cooperation, and continue to tighten the bonds between the two peoples. The two sides should strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other international multilateral platforms as well as in regional affairs, demonstrate their international responsibility, and work for a just and equitable global governance system.
Vladimir Putin said the intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms between Russia and China are functioning smoothly, and bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, industry, energy, connectivity and other fields is developing steadily. The establishment and development of Russia-China relations, based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect and helping each other's development, have withstood various tests. Today, the two sides signed a series of cooperation documents, which shows the determination of both sides to deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Russia is ready to work with China to implement the Pre-2030 Development Plan on Priorities in China-Russia Economic Cooperation, ensure the success of the Russia-China Years of Culture this year and next year, and seek greater synergy between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative. Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. Russia and China will hold celebrations. Russia appreciates China's objective and just stance on major international and regional affairs, and is ready to continue close strategic coordination with China, firmly support each other, promote a multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations, and push for more achievements of Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.
After the talks, the two heads of state signed and released a Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations and witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents on economy and trade, nature conservation, inspection and quarantine, and media, among others.
The heads of state also jointly met the press.
Prior to the talks, Xi Jinping held a grand welcoming ceremony for Vladimir Putin at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.
Upon Vladimir Putin's arrival, honor guard lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Russia, and a 21-gun salute was fired at Tian'anmen Square. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin then reviewed the guard of honor of the People's Liberation Army and watched the march-past. Children from China and Russia cheered the two heads of state holding bouquets of flowers and the national flags of China and Russia.
At noon on the same day, Xi Jinping held a welcoming banquet for Vladimir Putin at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Shen Yiqin, among others, attended the above events.
