"President Putin is my closest foreign colleague and my best bosom friend." President Xi Jinping made this expression in an interview with reporters five years ago on the eve of his visit to Russia.
On May 16 this year, I saw Russian President Putin again in Beijing. President Xi's opening remarks were: "Dear President Putin, my old friend, welcome to China for a state visit."
The two leaders have met more than 40 times. What is special about this meeting, what results have been achieved and what messages have been conveyed? Political News Eye is for you.
01
Warm talks in Meng Xia season
At about 4:00 a.m. on May 16, President Putin's special plane arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport. The red carpet was paved and the salute troops lined up. The breeze in early summer is warm and refreshing. This old friend's trip to China officially started.
On the first day of President Putin's visit to China, President Xi Jinping attended several events with him in a row, received him with high standards, and talked freely for a long time.
Illustration: Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. (Filmed by Duan Dewen, a reporter from CCTV)
In the morning, President Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for President Putin at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People.
There are two special arrangements on site. One is the repertoire of the military band. The military band chose Evening in Moscow's Outskirts as the welcome song. The other is the welcome group of children. In addition to Chinese children, Russian children in China also attended the ceremony. These thoughtful and meticulous arrangements convey the friendship of generations.
Photo: President Putin arrived at the welcoming ceremony by car. (Photographed by Li Jin, a reporter from the National Radio and Television Bureau)
After the welcoming ceremony, the two heads of state held talks in two stages, one in a small scope and the other in a large scope. After the talks, the two heads of state jointly met with reporters.
At noon that day, President Xi held a welcome banquet for President Putin in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Picture: Chinese and Russian children at the welcoming ceremony. (Shot by Wang Zihang and Duan Dewen, reporters from CCTV)
In the afternoon of the same day, the two heads of state came to the National Grand Theater to jointly attend the opening ceremony of the "China Russia Cultural Year" and the special concert to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, and delivered a speech.
Speaking of the "Sino Russian Cultural Year", it is a continuation of the tradition of friendship. In recent years, the two heads of state have successively promoted the holding of "Youth Friendly Exchange Year", "Media Exchange Year", "Local Cooperation and Exchange Year", "Science and Technology Innovation Year" and "Sports Exchange Year". Last year, President Xi Jinping and President Putin agreed to hold the "Sino Russian Cultural Year" this year and next. On the same day, the two sides officially launched this cultural event.
Photo caption: Welcome ceremony scene. (Photographed by Li Jin, a reporter from the National Radio and Television Bureau)
High mountains and flowing water meet bosom friends. Artists from the Chinese Central National Orchestra and the Russian Osipov National Orchestra jointly presented the concert on the same day. The repertoire includes not only well-known Russian songs such as Evening in Moscow's Suburbs and Katyusha, but also Chinese famous music with unique oriental flavor such as Fishing Boat Singing Evening and Happy Flowers and the Full Moon.
Picture: The PLA honor guard at the welcoming ceremony. (Photographed by Li Jin, a reporter from the National Radio and Television Bureau)
That night, President Xi held a small meeting with President Putin in Zhongnanhai.
In Zhongnanhai, the wind is gentle and the water is glittering. The two heads of state sat beside the water, tasted tea together, and exchanged in-depth views on strategic issues of common concern in a relaxed atmosphere. They shook hands and said goodbye only when they talked about the dark night.
President Xi said with emotion that over the years, we have met many times and each exchange has been frank, in-depth and fruitful. President Putin responded that every time I meet and talk with President Xi Jinping, I am very happy. Our exchanges are very in-depth and meaningful.
The picture said: The heads of state of China and Russia shook hands here for a group photo. (Shot by Lu Hongyu, a reporter from CCTV)
02
Important nodes carry forward the future
This meeting between the heads of state of China and Russia has an important time node: this year is the 75th year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia.
When visiting Russia five years ago, President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin jointly attended the commemoration conference of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia at the Moscow Grand Theater. President Xi said in his speech, "70 years of historical experience fully shows that China and Russia are good neighbors and true partners that can not be removed, whether in the past, now or in the future."
Picture: President Putin enters the conference hall. (Photographed by Li Jin, a reporter from the National Radio and Television Bureau)
History, always at a special node, brings special enlightenment to people.
In February this year, President Xi said in a telephone conversation with President Putin, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Looking back on the road we have traveled, we have withstood many storms and tests together. Looking ahead, China Russia relations face new development opportunities. China is willing to work with Russia to continue to write a new chapter in China Russia relations in the spirit of mutual help and friendship from generation to generation."
Illustration: The heads of state of China and Russia first held a small scale meeting, which was the scene before the talks began. (Shot by CCTV reporter E Jiefu)
When I met President Putin in Beijing this time, President Xi talked about "three quarters of a century" more than once, which is the time scale of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. "This year is a milestone year in the history of China Russia relations," he said
The mission, purpose and focus of this meeting is to comprehensively summarize the successful experience in the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 75 years ago, exchange in-depth views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern, and make plans and arrangements for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields in the next stage.
In summing up his experience, President Xi talked about "five insistences": adhering to mutual respect as the fundamental, win-win cooperation as the driving force, generations of friendship as the basis, strategic cooperation as the support, and fairness and justice as the purpose.
When charting the future, President Xi said that the two sides should take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, further strengthen the docking of development strategies, and continue to enrich the connotation of bilateral cooperation.
Illustration: The heads of state of China and Russia then presided over the large-scale talks, which was the scene before the talks began. (Shot by CCTV reporter E Jiefu)
On the same day, the two heads of state jointly signed and issued the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In the statement, the two sides stressed that the development of China Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, is not an expedient measure, is not affected by one incident, and has strong endogenous power and independent value.
03
Win win cooperation and mutual achievements
During the talks on the same day, the two heads of state listened to the reports of the chairmen of the cooperation committees between the two governments on cooperation in investment, energy, economy and trade, Northeast Far East, people to people and cultural exchanges, international cooperation and other fields.
It is understood that the trade volume between China and Russia has increased from more than 110 billion US dollars in 2019 to more than 240 billion US dollars in 2023, exceeding the trade target set by the two heads of state in advance.
Illustration: After the talks, the heads of state of China and Russia attended the signing ceremony and jointly met with the journalists, which was the scene before the start. (Shot by Li Zengren, a reporter from CCTV)
During this meeting, the two heads of state agreed to actively seek the convergence of interests between the two countries, give play to their respective advantages, deepen the integration of interests and achieve mutual achievements. President Xi stressed that both sides should further optimize the structure of bilateral cooperation and consolidate the good momentum of cooperation in traditional fields such as economy and trade.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, nature protection, inspection and quarantine, and media.
Picture: Chinese and foreign journalists who participated in the live report on that day. (Photographed by Yang Bo and Wang Zihang, reporters of CCTV)
When President Xi Jinping visited Russia last year, the two heads of state jointly signed and issued the Joint Statement on the Development Plan of Key Directions of China Russia Economic Cooperation by 2030, making plans and arrangements for cooperation in various fields.
At this year's meeting between the heads of state of China and Russia, President Putin said that Russia is willing to implement the Russia China Economic Cooperation Plan before 2030 with China.
The joint statement issued on the same day pointed out that China Russia practical cooperation is an important factor in promoting the economic and social development and common prosperity of the two countries, safeguarding technological progress and national economic sovereignty, realizing national modernization, improving people's well-being, and maintaining the stability and sustainability of the world economy.
The joint statement revealed that Russian President Putin would go to Harbin to attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China Russia Expo. President Xi Jinping once said that we should make full use of the China Russia Expo and other exhibition platforms.
Soil accumulates into a mountain, and water accumulates into a sea. All dimensional practical cooperation will further consolidate the foundation of China Russia strategic cooperation.
The picture says that the national flags of China and Russia are hung on both sides of Chang'an Street in Beijing. (Filmed by Fan Kai, a reporter from CCTV)
04
Destiny and common leadership
Major ideas and strategic judgments have the power to travel through time and space.
In March 2013, President Xi Jinping paid his first visit to Russia. In his speech at the Moscow Institute of International Relations, he put forward the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
In October last year, President Putin said to President Xi Jinping during his last visit to China that "the evolution of the international situation fully confirms President Xi Jinping's strategic judgment of making the biggest change in a century".
The picture said that the heads of state of China and Russia jointly attended the opening ceremony of the "China Russia Cultural Year" and the special concert to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia and delivered a speech, which was the scene before the beginning. (Shot by Liu Qi, a reporter from CCTV)
Standing at the crossroads of history, where will mankind go? How can China and Russia act in the face of a century of change?
In more than 40 meetings, President Xi Jinping and President Putin have repeatedly said that bilateral relations go far beyond the bilateral scope and are vital to the world pattern and the future and destiny of mankind.
During his visit to Russia five years ago, President Xi said that China was willing to work together with Russia to contribute more to the "China Russia Plan" in international affairs.
Illustration: Live concert. (Photographed by Xu Yongsong and Wang Xiaodong, reporters from CCTV)
In the "Five Insights" summarized by President Xi in this Beijing meeting, there are both "adhering to strategic cooperation as the support and leading the right direction of global governance" and "adhering to fairness and justice as the purpose and committed to promoting the political settlement of hot issues".
President Xi said that Russia will take over the rotating presidency of the BRICS countries this year, and China will take over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization within this year. The two sides will support each other in the work of each other's presidency, build a more comprehensive, close, pragmatic and inclusive high-quality partnership, and unite to strengthen the "Global South".
Picture: Chinese and Russian artists who came to the concert gathered together. (Filmed by Li Zengren, a reporter from CCTV and Li Jin, a reporter from Guoguang)
On promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues, the two heads of state exchanged in-depth views on the crisis in Ukraine.
President Xi pointed out that in dealing with any major problem, we should address both the symptoms and the root causes; We should plan for both the present and the future. China supports the timely convening of an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties and fair discussion of all plans, to promote an early political settlement of the Ukrainian issue, and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in this regard.
The two heads of state also talked about the Palestinian Israeli conflict, which also affects people's minds. The two heads of state agreed that it is urgent to resolve the Palestine Israel conflict. We should earnestly implement United Nations resolutions and resolve the Palestinian question on the basis of the "two State solution".
When it comes to China Russia relations, President Xi Jinping once said that "three things will not change": no matter how the international and regional situation changes, our policy of consolidating and deepening China Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination will not change, our goal of achieving common development and revitalization of the two countries will not change, and our determination to work together to safeguard international fairness, justice and world peace and stability will not change.
This meeting between the heads of state of China and Russia sends a clear message to the world: standing at a new historical starting point, China and Russia will always stick to their original intentions and work together to take on responsibilities, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make due contributions to world security and stability.
Extended Reading
Niu Playing the Piano: The Sino Russian Joint Statement has five small points in nearly ten thousand words, which make people look bright
The picture shows Putin drinking tea
I won't say more about the grand and lively scene. Looking closely at the latest Sino Russian joint statement, nearly 10000 words, the amount of information is really large.
I checked and found that only the word "cooperation" appeared 130 times.
Apart from some diplomatic platitudes, as well as some economic and cultural cooperation we are familiar with, there are at least five small points, which are very unusual and impressive.
Of course, this is my personal opinion, and does not represent any organization.
Don't talk much nonsense.
Highlight 1: Tumen River estuary.
This is our eternal pain. Jilin Province is actually very close to the sea, but there is no outlet to the sea.
We can even overlook the sea, but we can only look at the sea and sigh.
In this joint statement, I saw the following sentence: (China and Russia) The two sides will hold a constructive dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Chinese ships sailing through the lower reaches of the Tumen River.
If China and Russia have a consensus, it will be easy to handle.
Indeed, the issue of the sea port is related to the three countries, the dredging of the downstream river channel, and the treatment of the low bridge. It needs good consultation among the three parties.
"Constructive dialogue" means fruitful dialogue.
Figure The river estuary is related to the three countries of China, Russia and North Korea. The picture shows the location
Highlight 2: jointly develop Heixiazi Island.
Heixiazi Island witnessed the ups and downs of China and Russia. Now, the smoke of war has long been in the past, and Heixiazi Island has been settled peacefully. It is roughly divided into two parts, one half belongs to China and the other half belongs to Russia.
Now, we need to develop together. This can become a new island of friendship.
Highlight 3: Open the Arctic Channel together.
With global warming and the melting of the Arctic ice, the Arctic waterway will greatly shorten the distance between east and west, and is becoming a new golden waterway in the world.
China and Russia are also preparing for a rainy day. Looking at the joint statement, China and Russia will set up a sub committee for cooperation in Arctic shipping lanes to "promote the building of the Arctic shipping lanes into an important international transport corridor".
This channel will probably change the shipping pattern of the future world.
Highlight 4: The victory of World War II will be solemnly commemorated next year.
It is very clear: "The two sides plan to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Soviet Patriotic War in 2025, and jointly promote the correct historical view of World War II."
I remember that in 2015, 10 years ago, the 70th anniversary of the victory of World War II, both China and Russia held a grand military parade. Leaders of both sides also made a special trip to each other's capital to participate in a grand ceremony.
What will happen next year? We will wait and see.
The picture shows the information of the Russian Red Square parade
Highlight 5: reiterate that neither nuclear war can be won nor won.
I believe that this is one of the most pressing issues facing the international community, especially the West.
After all, the West has always been hyping, and Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons. Even the West has spread word to China in various ways. You advise Russia not to use nuclear weapons
This time, we see that China and Russia have clearly reaffirmed that they can neither win nor fight a nuclear war. Of course, China and Russia also believe that, Comprehensive measures must be taken to prevent direct military confrontation between nuclear weapon States, with the focus on eliminating root contradictions in the security field.
This can cure both symptoms and root causes. In the West, you should not only ask others, but also reflect on yourself.
This is China's diplomatic art.
Looking around the world, which big country is as painstaking as China? Persuade peace and promote talks like China? Like China, what is said must be done?
The answer is just two words: No,
Only China!
Putin also sees China's peace efforts, so Russia is very clear about the Ukrainian crisis and welcomes China's efforts to promote peace and talks.
As I said earlier, this Sino Russian joint statement has seen 130 times in the word "cooperation" alone. These five small highlights are only a small part of the many cooperation consensus.
But it is worth reading.
Especially the first one. There are more ways than difficulties, I believe that one day, Chinese ships will sail from Tumen River again!
