China, Russia seek to maintain strong ties in stormy global climate

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on China and Russia to continue to maintain strategic coordination on major international and regional issues, and to work together to advance the process toward a multipolar world.

Wang made the remarks on Tuesday when meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit to China.

Facing a complex external environment, China-Russia relations have remained undeterred by distractions, while bilateral cooperation across various fields has remained strong and resilient amid mounting challenges, Wang said.

The two countries should fully implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, to a higher level, he said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

The two sides have closely coordinated at the international stage, sending a clear message to the world that there remains a right path amid turbulence, and demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility amid profound changes, Wang said.

He called on the two countries to strengthen cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, support Kyrgyzstan in successfully hosting this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, jointly safeguard the unity of BRICS, and defend the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Noting that some countries are attempting to form "small circles" to contain China and Russia, Lavrov called on the two countries to maintain close coordination on multilateral platforms and in international and regional affairs, to safeguard their respective national interests, and jointly safeguard the security and stability of the international system.

The two ministers exchanged views on the preparation for a meeting between the two heads of state within the year.

They also held in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues such as the conflict between the United States and Iran, the Asia-Pacific situation, and the Ukraine crisis.