At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to China from May 19 to 20. This was Putin’s 25th visit to China and the first face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state this year.

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. During this meeting, the two heads of state agreed to extend the treaty. Over the years, both countries have adhered to the treaty’s principles of “non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party,” upholding equality, mutual respect, trust, and win-win cooperation, making significant contributions to international fairness and the construction of a new type of international relations, becoming a key constant in a century of global change.

How to understand “a key constant in a century of global change”? The “Current Affairs Micro-Observation” interprets this through four “higher-quality” aspects.

△On the morning of May 20, 2026, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Before the talks, President Xi Jinping held a welcome ceremony for President Putin at the East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People.

Building Higher-Quality Political Mutual Trust

From Xi Jinping’s first visit to Russia as head of state in 2013 to Putin’s current visit, the two heads of state have met more than 40 times on various occasions. Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, China and Russia maintain close exchanges at all levels, conduct in-depth communication on major issues of mutual concern, enhance mutual trust, and ensure the bilateral relationship operates at a high level.

On the morning of May 20, during talks with President Putin, President Xi Jinping stated: “China and Russia insist on developing a new era comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination based on equality, mutual respect, trust, and win-win cooperation, deepening political mutual trust, and advancing cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, and local exchanges, making people-to-people bonds stronger.”

△On the morning of May 20, 2026, President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This was a small-group meeting between the two heads of state.

Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia new era comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is developing healthily, stably, and deeply, entering a new phase of greater achievements and faster growth, setting an example for a new type of major-country relations.

On the afternoon of May 20, during a joint press conference with President Putin, President Xi Jinping noted: “Both sides should build on past achievements, further firmly support each other on core interests and major concerns, continuously strengthen strategic communication and exchanges at all levels, and solidify the foundation of political mutual trust.”

The significance and impact of the China-Russia new era comprehensive strategic partnership extend far beyond bilateral scope, becoming an important stabilizer for world peace and security and a pillar for international fairness and justice, reflecting the responsibility and commitment of two major responsible nations.

Empowering Higher-Quality Mutually Beneficial Cooperation

In May, the busiest land port between China and Russia, Manzhouli-Zabaikalsk, is bustling with activity. Dozens of China-Europe freight trains change tracks there daily, with the number of trains increasing by over 20% year-on-year since the beginning of the year.

Driven by the leadership of the two heads of state, China-Russia practical cooperation shows resilience and vitality, forming a comprehensive, multi-level cooperation framework.

During the talks on May 20,

Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the People is a monumental building located on the western side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. Constructed in just ten months in 1959 as one of the “Ten Great Buildings” to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, it serves as the primary venue for the National People’s Congress and other major political and cultural events. The hall is renowned for its grand architecture, which blends traditional Chinese elements with Soviet-influenced design, and it houses the famous 10,000-seat Great Auditorium.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a historic city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as the nation’s political and cultural center for centuries. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square, reflecting its imperial past under the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, Beijing blends ancient traditions with modern development, offering a unique glimpse into China’s rich heritage and rapid growth.

East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People

The East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People is located in the heart of Beijing, adjacent to Tiananmen Square. It serves as the main entrance to the Great Hall of the People, a monumental building constructed in 1959 to house the National People’s Congress and other political events. The square has been the site of many significant state ceremonies and diplomatic welcomes, reflecting China’s modern political history.

Manzhouli-Zabaikalsk

Manzhouli-Zabaikalsk refers to the major border crossing and twin cities between China (Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia) and Russia (Zabaikalsk, Zabaykalsky Krai). Historically, this area became a crucial railway junction in the early 20th century with the completion of the Chinese Eastern Railway, linking Siberia to the Chinese port of Dalian. Today, it serves as the busiest land port of entry between China and Russia, facilitating significant trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.