China, Russia agree to strengthen strategic consultation, cooperation

China, Russia agree to strengthen strategic consultation, cooperation during a meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia.

China is eager to enhance strategic communication with Russia and deepen the bilateral ties’ strategic significance, according to Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, during a meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, in St. Petersburg.

Wang emphasized that the steady development of China-Russia relations, guided by the leadership of their heads of state, has been pivotal, particularly as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. This year, the two nations have engaged in consistent high-level exchanges, reinforcing their political and social foundations for enduring good-neighborliness, strategic cooperation, and mutually beneficial relations.

Wang reiterated China’s commitment to enhancing strategic communication through mechanisms like the China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation and the BRICS security framework. He also expressed support for Russia’s role as the rotating chair of BRICS, stressing collaboration to strengthen the BRICS platform as a voice for emerging powers and the Global South, advancing “BRICS+” cooperation.

Shoigu praised the high-level Russia-China strategic partnership and appreciated China’s support for Russia’s BRICS leadership. He pledged to continue bolstering coordination to ensure the success of the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan.

Both sides affirmed their commitment to true multilateralism, with Russia endorsing China’s role as SCO chair and aiming to make the SCO more efficient. They also discussed the Ukraine crisis, with Shoigu outlining Russia’s stance and welcoming the “six-point consensus” proposed by China and Brazil. Wang reiterated China’s objective approach to the issue, striving for balanced international consensus to foster conditions for an early ceasefire and peaceful resolution.