On May 17, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin each sent congratulatory letters to the 10th China-Russia Expo.
Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia. Through joint efforts, cooperation between China and Russia across various fields has deepened and yielded fruitful results.
Xi Jinping emphasized that he hopes sectors from both countries will take this expo as an opportunity to leverage their geographical proximity and complementary advantages, deepen all-round practical cooperation, better promote economic and social development in both countries, continuously enhance the well-being of both peoples, and make new contributions to the steady and sustained development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era.
In his congratulatory letter, Putin stated that the Russia-China Expo has grown into the largest exhibition event between the two countries, providing a platform for direct and in-depth dialogue. He noted that this expo has a rich agenda, focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation and exchanges on a wide range of topics, and expressed confidence that it will achieve positive results, chart new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation, and benefit the peoples of both countries.
The 10th China-Russia Expo, themed “Trust, Cooperation, and Win-Win,” is jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Government of Heilongjiang Province, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia. It opened on the same day in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.
Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia
The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, signed on July 16, 2001, serves as a foundational legal document for bilateral relations. It formalized a strategic partnership based on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and non-aggression, replacing earlier provisional agreements. The treaty has since guided cooperation in areas like trade, energy, and security, reflecting a shift from historical tensions to a stable, long-term partnership.
China-Russia Expo
The China-Russia Expo is an annual trade and economic exhibition jointly organized by China and Russia, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange. First held in 2014 in Harbin, China, it evolved from the previous Harbin International Trade Fair and has since rotated between the two countries, featuring industries like technology, agriculture, and energy. The expo serves as a key platform for promoting mutual investment and partnership under the broader China-Russia strategic partnership.
Harbin
Harbin, located in northeastern China, is famous for its unique blend of Russian and Chinese architecture, largely due to its history as a key hub of the Chinese Eastern Railway built by Russia in the late 19th century. The city is best known for its spectacular annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, featuring massive ice sculptures and illuminated castles. Its cultural heritage is also embodied in landmarks like the Saint Sophia Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1907 that now serves as a museum.
Heilongjiang Province
Heilongjiang Province, located in northeastern China, is known for its rich history as part of the ancient Manchurian homeland and its role in the region’s industrial development during the 20th century. Its capital, Harbin, is famous for the annual International Ice and Snow Festival, reflecting the province’s harsh winters and cultural blend of Chinese and Russian influences. Historically, the area was a key site for the Qing Dynasty’s border defense and later became a center for heavy industry
Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia
The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, signed on July 16, 2001, is a landmark agreement that formalized a strategic partnership between the two nations. It emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, while promoting cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and security. The treaty replaced earlier border agreements and has been renewed multiple times, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties since the end of the Cold War.
China-Russia Expo
The China-Russia Expo is an annual trade and economic event that rotates between China and Russia, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and cultural exchange. It originated from the China-Russia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, first held in 2014 in Harbin, China, and later evolved into a comprehensive exhibition platform. The expo showcases achievements in sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.
Harbin
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is renowned for its stunning ice and snow festivals, which began in 1985 and feature massive illuminated sculptures. Founded in the late 19th century as a hub for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the city developed a unique blend of Russian and Chinese architecture, evident in landmarks like Saint Sophia Cathedral. Its history as a crossroads for trade and migration has given Harbin a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular winter tourism destination.
Heilongjiang Province
Heilongjiang Province, located in northeastern China, is known for its cold winters and rich natural resources, including vast forests and the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Historically, it was part of the ancient Manchurian homeland and later became a key industrial base after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The province also played a significant role in the development of the Chinese Eastern Railway and has strong cultural ties with Russia due to its border along the Amur River.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is an annual winter event held in Harbin, China, featuring massive ice and snow sculptures illuminated with colorful lights. Originating in 1963, it was revived and expanded in 1985, and now ranks as one of the world’s largest ice festivals, attracting millions of visitors. The festival showcases intricate creations from ice blocks harvested from the Songhua River, turning the city into a frozen wonderland.
Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a magnificent 11th-century architectural masterpiece built under Prince Yaroslav the Wise to celebrate Christianity’s triumph in the region. It features stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, and its name honors the 6th-century Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The cathedral has survived Mongol invasions, wars, and Soviet-era threats, and today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Ukrainian cultural identity.
Chinese Eastern Railway
The Chinese Eastern Railway was a key infrastructure project built by the Russian Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cutting through Manchuria in northeastern China to connect the Trans-Siberian Railway with Vladivostok. It became a symbol of imperial influence and conflict, sparking tensions between Russia, Japan, and China, and played a major role in the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and later geopolitical struggles. After various periods of control, the railway was eventually transferred to Chinese ownership in the mid-20th century, and its legacy remains a reminder of colonial-era power rivalries in East Asia.
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. Founded by the Manchu clan Aisin Gioro, it expanded China’s borders to their largest extent, oversaw a period of economic and cultural prosperity, and eventually declined due to internal rebellions and external pressures. Its fall marked the end of over two thousand years of imperial rule in China.
