Russia, China forge stronger ties in turbulent times

This year marks several milestones: the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Russia-China strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), and the opening of the cross-years of education between the two countries.

Thus, 2026 is a chronological convergence for Russia-China relations. Within just a few months, four distinct historical trajectories — each with its own meaning, ranging from the geopolitical agreements of the 1990s to technological and humanitarian planning for the 2030s — have intersected. These trajectories form a new historical configuration of political, economic, humanitarian and diplomatic cooperation.

At the center of this convergence is the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China from Tuesday to Wednesday. These four milestones effectively shape the agenda of the visit. Amid global turbulence, the visit serves as a moment that "fuses" these timelines together.

It is a mechanism for synchronizing the development strategies of both countries for decades ahead. Its historical significance will not be measured by the length of the final communique or the number of contracts signed, but by its ability to connect the past, present, and future — assessing the past 30 years, adapting the legal legacy of the 2001 treaty to new challenges, aligning national strategies through 2030, and launching long-term personnel cooperation.

Thirty years ago, Russia-China relations achieved a historic breakthrough.

Over three decades, they evolved from cautious rapprochement after the collapse of the Soviet Union into what is now described as a "comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination", often seen as a model of major country relations.

This transformation reflected Russia's shift toward a multipolar foreign policy and China's need for stability along its long shared border, as well as balance in its relations with the United States.

The political breakthrough of 1996 was preceded by important groundwork, including agreements on confidence-building measures and mutual force reductions along the border. These established a legal framework that fostered trust. Today's relationship is often described as a new model of international relations based on the principles of "non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting third parties", helping both countries avoid the classic "great power dilemma".

The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation formalized the legal foundation of bilateral relations in the 21st century, enshrining principles such as mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. It committed both sides to resolving disputes peacefully and reaffirmed their pledge not to be the first to use nuclear weapons.

Originally valid for 20 years, the treaty was automatically extended in 2021 for another five years. The presidential visit is an ideal moment to reaffirm the commitment to its principles for the years ahead. Over the past 25 years, China and Russia have turned their coordination into a global factor. Their cooperation within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS has become a key pillar of international governance.

Both countries act as stabilizing forces in the UN Security Council, often coordinating positions and advocating reforms to global governance systems.

They have also played leading roles in expanding and strengthening alternative international frameworks, particularly among developing countries and the Global South.

President Putin's visit is not merely about marking anniversaries but about evaluating three decades of cooperation and defining the parameters of a new stage — one shaped by China's 15th Five-Year Plan. This plan, while domestic in nature, sets clear technological and industrial priorities that will influence bilateral cooperation.

It emphasizes breakthroughs in areas such as 6G networks, artificial intelligence, big data, quantum technologies, biotechnology, semiconductors and green energy, with the overarching goal of achieving a high degree of technological self-reliance.

For Russia, this opens broad opportunities. The alignment of China's plan with Russia's Far East development strategy creates a natural platform for cooperation. The launch of international priority development territories in several Far Eastern regions of Russia offers favorable conditions for large-scale Chinese investment, supported by long-term guarantees.

Energy cooperation will remain central. In 2025, Russia and China signed the memorandum on the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline project.

Transport infrastructure is another key focus. Projects such as the Central Eurasian Transport Corridor, linking Siberia, Mongolia and western China, could significantly enhance connectivity.

Financial cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Russia and China have largely shifted to national currencies in bilateral trade, reducing vulnerability to external financial pressures.

Both countries advocate reforms to global financial institutions to make them more equitable and less politicized.

Beyond economics, deeper industrial and technological integration is becoming the new priority. This includes aligning the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as promoting the concept of a Greater Eurasian Partnership.

Education and human capital development play a crucial role in this process. The years of education (2026-27) aim to expand academic exchanges, joint campuses, and dual-degree programs.

In a global environment marked by instability, Russia-China relations have emerged as a stable anchor. The partnership reflects not only economic interdependence but also a shared perspective that rejects hegemony and emphasizes balance.

President Putin's visit will likely reaffirm this vision, demonstrating that the Russia-China partnership remains a pillar of stability in an increasingly turbulent world.

The author is the academic supervisor of the Center for the Study of China and Asia-Pacific Countries at St Petersburg State University of Economics.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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