Beginning of talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping (retranslated): President Putin, my dear friend,
I am very happy to see you in the online format ahead of the Chinese New Year.
On New Year’s Eve, it is an opportune moment to review results and to chart plans for the future. In 2024, you and I met three times – in Beijing, Astana and Kazan – and we reached a number of important agreements.
We marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia in an impressive setting. Chinese-Russian relations, based on eternal neighbourliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic collaboration, mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual benefits, are acquiring new vitality.
The Year of Chinese and Russian Culture has been marked by some memorable moments. Bilateral practical cooperation is developing steadily, mutual trade is expanding confidently, and the eastern route of the China-Russia gas pipeline began operating at maximum capacity earlier than planned.
Our countries are collaborating actively within the framework of the UN, the SCO, BRICS and other international platforms. This provides additional positive energy for overhauling and streamlining the system of global governance.
This year, we are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Chinese nation’s Victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Invaders, the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the UN.
In this context, Russia and China will support the UN-centric international system, defend the Victory in World War II, which was secured by the blood and lives of millions, and uphold the rights of China and Russia as founding members of the UN and permanent members of the UN Security Council.
This year, I am ready, together with you, to elevate Chinese-Russian relations to a new level, to counter external uncertainties by preserving stability and resilience of Chinese-Russian relations, for the development and prosperity of both countries and for justice and equality in the world.
Thank you.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: President Xi Jinping, my dear friend,
I am sincerely pleased to greet you and to have the opportunity to speak with you at the beginning of the year, continuing our good tradition of reviewing the work done over the past period and outlining new plans for the development of the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China.
I agree with you that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing is based on common national interests in many spheres and shared views on what relations between major powers should be like. We are developing our ties on the basis of friendship, mutual trust and support, equality and mutual benefit. These ties are self-sufficient, as they do not depend on any domestic political factors or the current global situation. Their all-round strengthening fully meets the goals of the comprehensive development of Russia and China and the improvement of our peoples’ well-being.
I believe that the past year was very good for us. We widely celebrated the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. During my visit to China in May last year, we jointly launched a large-scale project – the cross-years of Russian and Chinese culture. We held useful talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit held in Astana in July, as you have pointed out just now. Of course, I was happy to meet with you in Kazan last October. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you for supporting Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship.
We coordinate our actions across various multilateral institutions, including the United Nations and its Security Council, the SCO, the G20 and APEC. We stand united in advocating for a more just multipolar world order and work to ensure indivisible security both in the Eurasian space and globally. It can be said confidently that our foreign policy ties and Russia and China's joint efforts objectively play a major stabilising role in international affairs.
By the end of the year, despite the negative external influence, we were able to achieve strong new performance indicators in trade. Although we have only drawn the balance for the first 11 months as of yet, our trade showed a growth of over seven percent, reaching over $220 billion.
According to the Chinese data, the total figure for the year was nearly $245 billion. China remains our primary trade partner, while Russia confidently ranks fifth among China's trading partners.
China is the largest consumer of Russian energy resources. We hold the first place in terms of oil exports to the country. Five years ago, we launched the Power of Siberia gas pipeline together, and today, Russia has become the leading supplier of natural gas to China. In December 2024, we signed a roadmap for a comprehensive programme of cooperation on fast neutron reactors and closing the nuclear fuel cycle, which is the nuclear power technology of the future.
Successful joint projects are being implemented in industry, transport, agriculture and other sectors. Holding Made in Russia fairs in various Chinese provinces has proven to be an effective practice.
Our humanitarian ties are expanding. Over 130 events have been held in both countries so far under the Cross Culture Years project, and this only includes the Russian events programme. Tourist flows are growing in both directions, and sports and educational exchanges are on the rise.
Mr President, this year we are preparing to solemnly celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. Its memory is sacred for both our nations, which fought deadly battles against the aggressors and defeated the enemy at the cost of numerous lives. The ideology of fascism, Nazism and militarism must not be allowed to rear its head again. It is important to cherish and defend the historical truth together with other nations that are guided by the same belief.
My dear friend, I would like to personally wish you and the friendly Chinese people a happy New Year 2025 and a joyous Spring Festival. Allow me to wish you good health and, as they say in China, good luck in “ten thousand matters,” and peace and prosperity to your people.
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