Stronger China-Russia maritime cooperation urged

China stands ready to work with Russia to safeguard their legitimate maritime rights and interests, maintain maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region, and ensure the smooth passage of vessels through key international shipping routes, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said.

Wang, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Nikolai Patrushev, a Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board.

Wang said the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and noted that the ocean, as a link connecting the world, is vital to the security and long-term development of all countries.

He called for the sovereignty and security of coastal states to be respected and for stable supplies of energy and resources to be ensured, as well as the smooth functioning of industrial and supply chains.

Wang said China's efforts to develop the Polar Silk Road align closely with Russia's development of the Northern Sea Route, and that maritime cooperation is playing an increasingly important role in the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major maritime countries, China and Russia shoulder important responsibilities in international maritime affairs and enjoy broad prospects for cooperation, he said.

Wang called for closer alignment of the two countries' maritime strategies, greater use of their complementary strengths, and expanded exchanges on maritime and Arctic affairs.

He said such cooperation would serve as a "blue engine" for China-Russia relations, contribute to improving global ocean governance, and advance the building of a maritime community with a shared future.

Patrushev told Wang that amid the current turbulent international situation, the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is more important than ever.

Russia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in developing the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and promoting multilateral ocean governance, he said.

He also expressed Russia's willingness to draw on China's experience in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime trade to add new dimensions to bilateral comprehensive strategic coordination.

Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern.