Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed congratulatory letters on Monday to the 10th meeting of the dialogue mechanism between the ruling parties of China and Russia. This significant gesture underscores the pivotal role this mechanism plays in sustaining bilateral relations, signifying the joint commitment of both nations to strengthen communication between ruling parties, according to Chinese experts.
President Xi, in his letter, extended warm congratulations on the meeting’s convening, acknowledging the profound changes in the global landscape. Despite these challenges, China-Russia relations have not only endured but have set an exemplary model of major-country relations. Xi emphasized the strategic role played by this partnership in fostering global stability and development.
As 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia, Xi expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Russia. He called for the continued development of relations characterized by good-neighborly friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Xi highlighted the dialogue mechanism as a unique channel for the consolidation of political trust, strategic coordination, and cooperation.
Xi urged both parties to utilize the 10th meeting to demonstrate the responsibility of major parties, enrich exchanges in the new era, create a situation of institutionalized cooperation, and contribute to the development of China-Russia relations. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding international fairness, promoting justice, and building a shared future for humanity.
In his congratulatory letter, President Putin underscored the historic high of the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. He emphasized the ongoing large-scale cooperation projects in various fields, showcasing the close coordination between the two countries on major international issues through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Putin acknowledged the constructive interactions between the ruling parties of Russia and China, fostering rapid development in bilateral cooperation. He highlighted institutionalized interactions and the exchange of useful experience on party building, legislation, and social work. Putin expressed confidence that the 10th meeting of the dialogue mechanism would deepen cooperation between Russia and China.
Chinese experts regard the dialogue mechanism as a crucial pillar of bilateral relations, emphasizing the significance of both leaders sending congratulatory letters. This not only reflects their commitment but also signals an intention to enhance inter-party communication, especially in the lead-up to next year’s Russian presidential elections, according to Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow from the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University.
Cui pointed out that China’s cooperation with Russia is extensive and mutually beneficial, with no major conflicts of interest between the two nations. The routine exchanges, including the meeting of the dialogue mechanism and visits between Chinese officials and the Russian State Duma, contribute to strengthening and elevating bilateral ties.
Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, is set to visit China from Tuesday to Thursday at the invitation of China’s top legislator Zhao Leji, as reported by China’s Xinhua News Agency.
As Western media attempts to undermine China-Russia ties, portraying them as a temporary alliance, Chinese experts dismiss such narratives as cliché and rooted in bloc politics. They emphasize the strong internal driving force behind the relationship, emphasizing its mutual benefits for both countries. Cui notes that interpreting China-Russia relations through a bloc politics lens reflects a narrow mindset held by some Western countries and their Asian allies.