Putin held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The main thing

On February 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin held video talks with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. The meeting took place on the eve of the Chinese New Year, which begins on February 17th. According to the Eastern calendar, this is the year of the Fiery Horse. The main statements of the Russian leader are in the material of Izvestia.

On relations between Russia and China

Putin pointed to the tradition of personal communication with Xi Jinping at the start of the new year, when the results of the past year are summed up, as well as plans for the future are outlined.

"Moreover, on such a symbolic day, according to the Chinese national calendar, today is the "Establishment of Spring", "Lichun", after which the frosts disappear, renewal begins and a new cycle begins in nature. And for Russian-Chinese relations, it's safe to say that any time of the year is spring," the president said.

He also pointed out that the coming year has the symbol of a fiery horse, and also, "as far as we know, it has strength, energy and a desire to move forward — what distinguishes the ties between our countries, regardless of the international situation, I am confident in their strength and progressive development in all areas."

"The Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation is exemplary. This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Agreement on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation, which is fundamental for our relations. Its further implementation, of course, meets the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries, contributes to strengthening comprehensive, truly comprehensive cooperation between Russia and China, and, most importantly, to improving the well—being of our citizens," Putin said.

In this context, Putin assured the Chinese president of his firm support for the two countries' joint efforts to ensure their sovereignty, security, socio-economic prosperity, and the right to choose their own path of development.

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About the results of 2025

Putin recalled the celebration of the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II in May in Moscow and in September in Beijing.

"The fact that we have been together these days has demonstrated to the whole world our solidarity, the willingness of Russia and China to defend the historical truth, and to cherish the memory of the heroic feat of the peoples of our countries, who restored peace on the planet at the cost of tens of millions of lives," the Russian president said.

He also pointed out that China's chairmanship in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has resulted in significant practical results.

"At the talks in Moscow and Beijing, we reviewed the main directions in detail and outlined ambitious tasks to further deepen bilateral cooperation. The governments are engaged in daily, in fact, energetic work to implement these agreements," Putin said.

On cooperation in economics and energy

The Russian leader added that economic cooperation continued to develop steadily in 2025.

"Despite a slight decrease, I would even say an adjustment in the indicators, the trade turnover has been surpassing the landmark mark of $200 billion for the third year in a row with a solid margin," the president said.

He added that Russia is a leader in the supply of energy resources to China. The two countries' partnership in the energy sector is mutually beneficial and truly strategic.

"We are conducting an active dialogue in the field of peaceful atom, promoting high-tech projects, including in industry and space exploration. According to our data, the volume of trade in agricultural products has increased by more than 20%," Putin said.

On cooperation in the humanitarian field

Vladimir Putin also noted his satisfaction with the pace of increasing humanitarian exchanges. He pointed out that the Years of Culture had ended with success, during which more than 400 bright events had been held.

"Of course, we don't stop there. In particular, the Chinese New Year will be widely celebrated in Moscow and other Russian cities again, it has also become a good tradition here, and residents and guests of Beijing will get acquainted with the Russian traditions of winter celebrations at the Moscow Maslenitsa festival," the president said.

He also pointed out that the "cross-over" Years of education had begun. Currently, more than 56,000 Chinese students are studying in Russia, and over 21,000 Russian students are studying in China.

"There are dozens of joint educational institutions and specialized associations of universities. At the same time, there remains significant potential for further expansion of ties in this area, especially since the era of innovation and informatization dictates the need to train personnel in new, cutting—edge areas," the Russian president said.

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About the visa-free regime

Putin added that the introduction of a visa-free regime contributes to the growth of business and humanitarian contacts. He expressed gratitude to the President of the People's Republic of China for this initiative and added that the relevant relevant departments do not have any significant questions on this issue.

About the international situation

Putin said that in the face of increasing turbulence in the world, the foreign policy link between Moscow and Beijing remains an important stabilizing factor. He also pointed out that Russia is ready to continue close coordination on global and regional issues both on a bilateral track and on all multilateral platforms: the United Nations, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and others, where the Russian-Chinese tandem plays a key role in many ways.