Cross-border cooperation between China and Russia highlighted

The three-day "Russia-China Forum" opened on Friday in the Russian city of Khabarovsk, centering on the joint development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island, known as Heixiazi Island in China, to drive regional integration.

Bringing together government officials, business leaders, and cultural figures, the event highlights expanding cross-border cooperation. Khabarovsk Territory acts as a vital nexus connecting Russian regions with Chinese partners, Governor Dmitry Demeshin noted during the opening ceremony, adding that partnership momentum will accelerate with the scheduled launch of a border checkpoint on Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island in 2028.

"The development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island represents a flagship strategic initiative for Russia and China in the Far East," Demeshin said, emphasizing the theme's historical significance.

Echoing this perspective, Chen Yongjun, China's acting consul general in Khabarovsk, pointed to the territory's geographic proximity to Northeast China as a unique advantage that positions it as a premier gateway for bilateral engagement.

Joint initiatives to protect and develop the island serve as a landmark project, Chen said, noting that the forum has scaled up in influence, participant diversity, and agenda breadth. He urged attendees to leverage the platform to secure partnerships, finalize agreements, and produce tangible outcomes.

The agenda spans over 40 business and cultural events, prioritizing investment, industrial collaboration, agriculture, transport, and emerging technologies. Illustrating grassroots economic integration, a Chinese-founded glass manufacturing enterprise established in the 1990s now employs roughly 150 workers, over 100 of whom are Russian nationals. The company's founder noted that strengthening bilateral economic ties consistently generates fresh opportunities for trade, investment, and interpersonal exchange.

Now in its second year, the expanded forum features an extensive cultural lineup across Khabarovsk concert halls, theaters, and museums. Program highlights feature a joint performance by the Far Eastern Academic Symphony Orchestra, soloists from the Bolshoi Theatre, and Chinese artists, alongside staging of the ballet The Blizzard and the operetta Silva.

Athletic events complement the cultural schedule, featuring a marathon and an international sailing race between Fuyuan and Khabarovsk across the Heilongjiang River, known in Russia as the Amur River. Additionally, a bilateral cuisine festival along the river embankment showcases culinary traditions and beverages from both nations.