On May 17, Chinese 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 cooperative partnership 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 in various fields has deepened and yielded fruitful results.
Xi Jinping emphasized that he hopes all sectors of both countries will take this expo as an opportunity to leverage the geographical proximity and complementary advantages of China and Russia, deepen comprehensive practical cooperation, better promote the economic and social development of both countries, continuously improve the well-being of the people, 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 developed into the largest exhibition event between the two countries, providing a platform for direct and in-depth dialogue. The content of this expo is substantial, focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on a wide range of topics. He expressed confidence that it will achieve positive results, plan for new prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation, and benefit the peoples of both countries.
The theme of the 10th China-Russia Expo is „Trust, Cooperation, and Win-Win.“ It is co-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 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on the same day.
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 across various industries. Established in 2014, it evolved from the earlier China-Russia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The expo serves as a key platform for business exchanges, investment projects, and cultural dialogues, highlighting the deep historical and modern ties between China and Russia.
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 bilateral agreement that formalized a strategic partnership between the two nations. It emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, while promoting cooperation in trade, energy, and security. The treaty replaced earlier border agreements and marked a significant step in resolving historical tensions, fostering a long-term framework for peaceful coexistence and regional stability.
Heilongjiang Province
Heilongjiang Province, located in northeastern China, is known for its cold climate and rich natural resources, including vast forests and the famous Harbin Ice and Snow Festival. Historically, the region was part of the Manchu homeland and later became a key industrial base during China’s socialist era, with its capital Harbin developing as a cultural crossroads influenced by Russian architecture and trade along the Chinese Eastern Railway.
Harbin
Harbin is a major city in northeastern China, known for its unique blend of Russian and Chinese cultural influences due to its history as a key hub on the Chinese Eastern Railway in the early 20th century. It gained international fame for its annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which features massive ice sculptures and attracts millions of visitors each winter. The city also boasts historic architecture, such as the Saint Sophia Cathedral, reflecting its past as a center for Russian émigrés.
China-Russia Expo
The China-Russia Expo is an annual trade and cultural exhibition held alternately in China and Russia, designed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and cultural exchange. First launched in 2014 as an upgrade of the former China-Russia Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, the expo showcases products, technologies, and investment opportunities from both countries. It serves as a key platform for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination between China and Russia.
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 bilateral agreement that formalized the strategic partnership between the two nations. It replaced earlier treaties from the 1990s, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, while promoting cooperation in trade, energy, and security. This treaty has since served as a foundational document for their comprehensive strategic partnership, fostering stability along their shared border and coordination on global issues.
Heilongjiang Province
Heilongjiang Province, located in northeastern China, is known for its harsh winters and rich natural resources, including the famous Zhalong Wetlands and the Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin. Historically, it was part of the ancient Manchurian homeland and later became a key industrial base under Chinese communist rule, with its capital Harbin playing a significant role in the Chinese Eastern Railway development. Today, it is celebrated for its unique blend of Russian-influenced architecture and vibrant winter tourism.
Harbin
Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is renowned for its Russian-influenced architecture and its spectacular annual Ice and Snow Festival. Founded in the late 19th century as a hub for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the city grew rapidly with an influx of Russian and European immigrants, leaving a lasting cultural and architectural legacy. Today, Harbin is a major winter tourism destination, famous for landmarks like Saint Sophia Cathedral and the frozen Songhua River.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin 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 temporarily halted during the Cultural Revolution but resumed in 1985, growing into one of the world’s largest ice festivals. The festival showcases intricate carvings from ice blocks sourced from the nearby Songhua River, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Chinese Eastern Railway
The Chinese Eastern Railway was a key railway line built by the Russian Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, running through northeastern China (Manchuria). It was constructed as a shortcut for the Trans-Siberian Railway to connect Chita with Vladivostok, significantly enhancing Russian influence in the region. The railway later became a focal point of geopolitical conflicts, including the Russo-Japanese War and the 1929 Sino-Soviet conflict, before being fully returned to Chinese control in 1952.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is an annual winter event held in Harbin, China, showcasing massive ice and snow sculptures. It began in 1985, evolving from traditional ice lantern displays into one of the world’s largest winter festivals. The festival features illuminated ice castles, snow carvings, and activities like ice skating, attracting millions of visitors to the city’s sub-zero temperatures.
Saint Sophia Cathedral
Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a magnificent 11th-century architectural masterpiece built by Prince Yaroslav the Wise to commemorate a Christian victory. It is renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, and served as the spiritual and political center of Kyivan Rus‘. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a powerful symbol of Ukrainian culture and identity.
