CGTN Highlights China-Russia Ties Ahead Of Putin’s China Visit

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- China Global Television Network (CGTN) has published an article ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China from May 19 to 20, highlighting the evolution of China-Russia relations and the role of head-of-state diplomacy in strengthening bilateral ties.

The visit comes as both countries mark several milestones this year, including the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

According to CGTN in a statement, high-level exchanges between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin have become a defining feature of bilateral relations, with the two leaders having met more than 40 times over the past decade.

The report cited Zhao Long, a research fellow at the Center for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, as saying that head-of-state diplomacy has become a pillar of political mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two countries.

CGTN said China and Russia have expanded cooperation in trade, energy, and cultural exchanges while also strengthening coordination on international platforms, including the United Nations, SCO, BRICS, APEC and the G20.

According to the latest data from China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade between China and Russia reached US$227.9 billion in 2025, marking the third consecutive year that trade surpassed the US$200 billion level. (US$1 = RM3.94)

The article also highlighted growing people-to-people exchanges, including cultural programmes held under the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture initiative and the introduction of a mutual visa-free policy in 2025.

CGTN said the upcoming meeting between Xi and Putin is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to global stability amid growing international uncertainty.

-- BERNAMA