July 16 marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia—a landmark document that laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era between our two countries.

The Treaty formalised the historical tradition of good-neighbourliness and friendship between China and Russia, consolidated existing ties in conformity with the interests of our peoples, and opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Built upon the principles of equality, mutual respect, good faith and win-win cooperation, it has stood the test of time. What began as a commitment to strengthening neighbourly relations has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, setting a prime example of a new type of major-country relationship and serving as a vital constant amid century-defining changes sweeping across the world.

This year is rich in symbolic dates. We also commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Joint Declaration proclaiming the development of “relations of equal and trusting partnership aimed at strategic cooperation in the 21st century”. These foundational documents reflected our peoples’ conscious choice and continue to define the trajectory of bilateral relations.

Political mutual trust remains the hallmark of China-Russia relations. It is enshrined as the fundamental principle of the 2001 Treaty and continues to guide our cooperation across all domains. Head-of-state guidance is the greatest advantage of, and fundamental guarantee for, the high-level development of China-Russia relations. Regular reciprocal visits by the heads of state are complemented by frequent meetings between the two governments, close coordination between foreign ministries, and a broad variety of specialised mechanisms.

On May 19–20 this year, during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China, he and President Xi Jinping held substantive talks covering the full spectrum of cooperation and addressing major global issues. International security and economic ties were in the spotlight during the discussions, which culminated in the signing of a........

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