Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent four-day visit to Beijing resulted in the signing of 22 comprehensive agreements, significantly strengthening bilateral relations between Russia and China. These accords cover key sectors including energy, space exploration, healthcare, agriculture, and media, indicating a broad expansion of cooperation.
In the energy sector, a major development was the memorandum of understanding for the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline project. This initiative aims to deliver an estimated 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia's Yamal fields to China via Mongolia, supported by a 30-year supply agreement. Further energy cooperation includes strategic agreements between Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and a memorandum on peaceful nuclear energy cooperation between Rosatom and China's Atomic Energy Agency. These deals highlight Russia's strategic focus on bolstering its Asian energy markets.
Russia and China also agreed to strengthen cooperation in scientific and technological fields, reflecting shared ambitions in research and development. This approach demonstrates the countries’ commitment to strategic partnership and collaboration in high-tech sectors.
Additional agreements detail a roadmap for the development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island and establish protocols for agricultural trade, including the export of reindeer and deer antlers. These accords underscore a wide range of shared interests and a commitment to practical collaboration.
President Putin described the reception in Beijing as "warm," stating that the Russia-China relationship is at an "unprecedentedly high level," founded on "trust, mutual assistance, and firmness in protecting common interests." Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed these sentiments, characterizing the relationship as a model for major-country interactions, resilient amidst global challenges. Xi advocated for expanded, fair cooperation through multilateral platforms like the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and G20, aiming to foster a more just global governance system.
The agreements were signed during Putin's visit, which also included bilateral meetings and participation in ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II. Prior to his Beijing engagements, President Putin attended the SCO summit in Tianjin. The deepening ties between Russia and China are seen as a strategic alignment, providing a stabilizing force in international affairs and a counterpoint to Western-dominated global structures.