Finance
Xi Assures Russia of China's Friendship as Ties Grow With Other Nations
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 15, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 15, 2026
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President Xi Jinping reaffirmed that China‑Russia relations are stable and “precious,” stressing mutual trust and strategic coordination amid global turbulence and as Beijing diversifies ties with Western and neighboring partners.
Xi Stresses China-Russia Cooperation as China Deepens Global Ties
China and Russia Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Global Shifts
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Mutual Trust and Support
BEIJING, April 15 (Reuters) - China and Russia must trust and support each other, deepen cooperation and defend each other's interests, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, assuring Moscow of friendship even as the world's No.2 economy expands ties with other neighbours and nations.
Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
In a meeting with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said the "stability" and "certainty" of China-Russia relations were particularly valuable as he told the Russian envoy to convey his sincere regards to President Vladimir Putin, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
China's Expanding Diplomatic Engagements
Western Leaders Visit Beijing
A handful of Western leaders have paid visits to Beijing this year, including the prime ministers of Spain, Britain and Canada, seeking to elevate ties with China. On Wednesday, Vietnam's top leader To Lam met Xi in Beijing to cement relations at a time when both work to fend off trade tariff pressure from the United States.
Upcoming Sino-Russian Summit
Anniversaries and Treaty Observances
Putin and Xi are expected hold a summit sometime this year to affirm Sino-Russian partnership and cooperation as the two neighbours observe anniversaries of their ties, including the 2001 Sino-Russia Treaty of Friendship.
Vision for a Multipolar World Order
Xi's Call for Strategic Cooperation
"In the face of a once-in-a-century change, China and Russia must, through closer and more robust strategic cooperation, resolutely defend the legitimate interests of both countries, uphold the unity of the Global South, and demonstrate the sense of responsibility expected of major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council," Xi told Lavrov.
China's Push for Multipolarity
In recent years, China has pushed for the building of what it says should be an equal and orderly multipolar world where every country has a say and major powers shoulder more responsibilities, an alternative to what Beijing describes as U.S. hegemony.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Key Takeaways
- •Xi told Russian FM Lavrov that China‑Russia relations’ stability and certainty are “particularly valuable” in today’s chaotic international environment, calling for deeper strategic coordination and implementation of his consensus with Putin. (apnews.com)
- •Amid growing ties with other countries—such as visits this year from leaders of Spain, Britain, Canada, and Vietnam—China continues to balance expanding global engagement with reaffirming its strategic partnership with Russia. (apnews.com)
- •Xi and Lavrov are preparing for a summit between Xi and Putin later in 2026 to mark anniversaries like the 2001 Sino‑Russia Treaty of Friendship, reinforcing the enduring importance of bilateral cooperation and shared global leadership. (reddit.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Xi assures Russia of China's friendship as ties grow with other nations
1What did Xi Jinping say about China-Russia relations?
Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of trust, support, and deepening cooperation between China and Russia, assuring continued friendship.
2Why are China and Russia strengthening their partnership?
China and Russia are deepening strategic cooperation to defend their interests and maintain global stability, especially as major powers.
3Are China’s diplomatic ties only focused on Russia?
No, China is expanding relationships with other countries, including recent visits from Western leaders and Vietnam's top leader.
4What is the significance of the upcoming Xi-Putin summit?
The summit is expected to affirm their partnership and cooperation during anniversary celebrations of China-Russia relations.
5How does China view the current global order?
China advocates for a multipolar world where all nations have a say, opposing what it perceives as U.S. hegemony.
