Putin and Xi Reinforce Strategic Alliance in Video Conference

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, held a video conference this Wednesday that confirmed the strength and strategic projection of the bilateral relationship between Moscow and Beijing. The exchange was laden with political symbolism, historical references, and messages directed both domestically and to the international community.

Putin congratulated the Chinese leader and the people of China on the New Year and the upcoming Spring Festival, emphasizing that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and the Asian giant "are exemplary." The Russian leader recalled that 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, an agreement that, he affirmed, responds to the fundamental interests of both peoples and will continue to guide the bilateral agenda.

On the economic front, Putin highlighted that trade exchange exceeded $200 billion for the third consecutive year, consolidating a trend of sustained growth despite external pressures. Russia—he added—remains the primary supplier of energy resources for the Asian giant, while joint projects advance in peaceful nuclear energy, high-tech industry, and space research.

Record Trade and Technological Cooperation

The Russian president also noted that agricultural product trade grew by more than 20%, reflecting the diversification of economic ties. This dynamism is complemented by cooperation in emerging sectors, where both powers seek to reduce external dependencies and strengthen their own value chains, especially in strategic technologies.

The cultural and educational dimension also occupied a central place in the conversation. More than 400 joint cultural events were celebrated with great popular reception, while academic exchanges continue to expand. Currently, more than 56,000 Chinese students are studying in Russia and more than 21,000 Russians are doing so in China, supported by dozens of agreements between educational institutions.

A Stabilizing Force in a Turbulent World

Addressing the global scenario, Putin affirmed that foreign policy coordination between Moscow and Beijing constitutes "an important stabilizing factor" in an increasingly turbulent world. Along the same lines, Xi Jinping assured that bilateral relations have entered a new stage of development and called for developing an ambitious plan to deepen long-term strategic cooperation.

Xi also emphasized that the joint celebration of Victory Day over fascism symbolizes both countries' determination to defend the results of World War II and international justice. For the Chinese leader, trade cooperation is advancing dynamically and expanding rapidly into new areas.

Putin used a seasonal metaphor to describe the bilateral relationship: "In relations between Russia and China, it is always spring," he stated, alluding to the constant renewal of cooperation. He even evoked the symbol of the year 2026, the "red and fiery horse," as an image of the energy and momentum that characterize the relationship between Moscow and Beijing.

Background that Reinforces the Relationship

The video conference is part of a sequence of high-level contacts. Last year, Putin visited Beijing at Xi Jinping's invitation, a trip that culminated in the signing of 22 agreements in key areas such as energy, artificial intelligence, aerospace, agriculture, health, science, education, and media.

In December, Russia formalized reciprocal visa exemption with China, allowing stays of up to 30 days for private, business, tourist, scientific, cultural, or sports travel. This measure, together with growing economic and political exchange, consolidates a partnership that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping present as stable, predictable, and long-term oriented.