China and Russia deepen strategic partnership
Quick Look
China and Russia have deepened their "comprehensive strategic partnership" with leaders calling ties "unprecedentedly high." Dozens of deals were signed, focusing on energy, trade, and technology, while both nations rejected "unilateral bullying" and "hegemony."
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Why It Matters
This year marks the 30th anniversary of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, and 25 years since the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was set up. The visit follows state visits from other UN Security Council permanent members to China.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia, and 25 years since the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was set up – a security grouping backed by Beijing and Moscow.
Key Takeaways
Strategic partnership deepens
Leaders described bilateral ties as being at an “unprecedented high” and the “most comprehensive strategic partnership” to date. The 2001 friendship treaty was extended, alongside a joint call for a “multipolar world” and “new international relations”. Both sides rejected “unilateral bullying” and “hegemony”, criticising US policies, including Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
Dozens of agreements signed
The visit produced roughly 40 deals spanning trade, technology, intellectual property, energy, media, automobiles and civilian nuclear cooperation. Energy remained central, with commitments to stable Russian oil and gas supplies to China.
Energy cooperation advances, but no major pipeline deal
Geopolitical alignment
Talks covered Ukraine, the Middle East and global governance. China urged de-escalation and negotiations, Russia praised China’s “objective and unbiased” position. Both leaders framed their partnership as a stabilising global force and emphasised coordination through the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Brics.
Since December, China has hosted state visits from all the other permanent members of the UN Security Council, including France and Britain.
Reporting by Victoria Bela, Vanessa Cai, Cao Jiaxuan, Alyssa Chen, Fan Chen, Meredith Chen, Orange Wang, Albee Zhang, Laura Zhou and Khushboo Razdan
Open Questions
- Specifics of the "new international relations" advocated by China and Russia.
- Details on how the "multipolar world" will be achieved.
- The extent of China's commitment to mediating in Ukraine.
- The impact of the "roughly 40 deals" on global markets.
