Great expectations
In an article titled Russia and China – a future-oriented partnership for People’s Daily, Putin described the alliance between the two nations as one built on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and shared interests.
He expressed high hopes for the forthcoming negotiations, confident they would inject fresh momentum into the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. He also noted that the meetings provide an opportunity to reconnect with an old and trusted ally with whom relations are unusually warm.
Putin recalled meeting the Chinese President in Moscow in March 2010. Since then, they have met roughly 40 times. While much in the world has changed—and often not for the better—he argued that the Russian-Chinese friendship has stood firm.
According to him, the partnership between Moscow and Beijing stands out as superior in quality to Cold War-era military-political alliances. He suggested there are no subordinates, no followers, and no taboos in their dialogue.
Putin underscored that commercial and economic partnership is a top priority. He noted that bilateral trade had doubled to 185 billion dollars by the end of 2022 and remained on an upward trajectory. He forecast that the 200 billion dollar target set with President Xi Jinping would be surpassed this year, with a growing share of payments settled in national currencies. He highlighted the Power of Siberia gas pipeline as a landmark deal and pointed to rising domestic oil and coal deliveries, joint space exploration, and shared technological advances.
He contrasted Russia and China with countries that seek global hegemony, saying that the two nations were actively building bridges amidst turbulent times. They cooperated closely in international affairs and stood shoulder to shoulder, even as the world faced rapid shifts. He emphasized effective coordination of foreign policy, joint efforts to counter common threats, and a proactive response to modern challenges.
Putin added that both nations, along with like-minded partners, favor a more just multipolar world order grounded in international law rather than the rules that serve the needs of a select few. He criticized the Collective West for clinging to old dogmas and imperial habits, arguing that such approaches threaten global stability. He warned that the path adopted by the United States to pressure Russia and China is intensifying, and that the existing security and cooperation architecture is eroding. He noted Russia’s designation as an immediate threat and China as a strategic competitor on the world stage.
He expressed gratitude to China for its balanced stance on Ukraine, stating it understands the underlying reasons behind the military operation and remains open to a political and diplomatic resolution. He stressed that Russia is ready to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukraine crisis.
In his view, the Russia-China relationship serves as a cornerstone of regional and global stability, supports economic growth, and advances a positive agenda in international relations.
Eternal friendship
Xi Jinping, writing in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, spoke about a steady push toward new hopes for friendship, cooperation, and joint development between China and Russia. He asserted that both countries pursue independent foreign policies that reflect their own national interests.
He described the bilateral relationship as rooted in eternal friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Chinese leader stated that their ties are based on non-confrontation, non-interference, and a shared stance toward third parties.
Xi noted that his upcoming visit to Russia aims to strengthen friendship, cooperation, and peace. He reminded that the peoples of both countries offered financial and moral support during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating that friends are remembered in times of trouble.
According to Xi, Russia and China are taking practical steps toward true multipolarity, promoting universal humanitarian values, and advocating a new model of international relations and a community with a shared destiny for humanity.
He stressed that no nation holds a superior position in the world and that there is no universal model of governance or a single world order where one country holds decisive power. On Ukraine, he noted that China has maintained an objective, fair stance and worked to advance reconciliation and peace talks.
Xi argued that a viable path forward for Ukraine and lasting global security will emerge when all parties adhere to a framework of common, comprehensive, and sustainable security, engaging in dialogue with prudence and equity. He pledged that China would continue to broaden its openness, opening new opportunities for all countries, including Russia.
He closed with a hopeful note: the new year should begin with progress, and China and Russia, as partners on the path to development and recovery, will contribute to the advancement of human civilization.