Russia and China have issued a joint communique outlining their expanding bilateral relations, following a meeting between Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Chinese counterpart, Li Qiang, in Hangzhou. The document, signed during Mishustin’s visit to China, pledges increased cooperation across various sectors, including science, technology, agriculture, trade, and artificial intelligence.

Both nations agreed to provide mutual support on core interests and respond jointly to external challenges. They also aim to deepen cultural exchanges, promote visa-free travel, and enhance cooperation in tourism and border-city development. Additionally, Russia and China plan to collaborate on space exploration and promote peace and stability in the Arctic region.

Russia reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China policy, recognizing Taiwan as an integral part of China, and expressed support for Beijing’s national reunification efforts. China, in turn, backed Russia’s efforts to safeguard its security, stability, and sovereignty.

The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation within multilateral frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the United Nations, to counter the “politicization” of international bodies and promote a more equitable, multipolar world. This move reflects their growing alignment as advocates for a more balanced global power structure, rather than one dominated by the United States and its allies.

China has refused to support Western sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, instead expanding trade ties with Moscow. Bilateral trade between the two nations nearly doubled from 2020 to 2024, reaching over $240 billion last year, according to Chinese customs data. They have also been reducing their reliance on the US dollar, with 99.1% of settlements now conducted in their national currencies.

Earlier, China proposed a 12-point plan for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict, which Moscow praised as a reasonable approach to ending the hostilities. The strengthening of Russia-China relations comes as both countries seek to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, with implications for international relations, trade, and security.