Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to Russia from May 7 to 10 and participate in the ceremonial events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Eighty years ago, the peoples of China, the Soviet Union, and other nations stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against fascism and emerged victorious in the global anti-fascist war. The founding of the United Nations ushered in a new era in human history.

Today, the world is undergoing rapid and unprecedented changes not seen in a century. Humanity faces new challenges that require collective responsibility, unity, and joint efforts for a shared future.

President Xi Jinping’s visit aims to strengthen traditional friendship, mutual trust, and strategic coordination, as well as to preserve historical memory and shape a forward-looking development course. This trip will give new impetus to the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia in the new era, reflecting the two leading powers' commitment to safeguarding the historical legacy of World War II, ensuring international justice, and maintaining global peace and stability. It will serve as a stabilizing factor amid a turbulent international environment and contribute to the broader development of humanity.

A Testament of Mutual Support in Difficult Times

"History and facts prove: China and Russia are close neighbors with unbreakable ties, reliable friends who support each other through difficulties and develop together," Xi Jinping stated during a phone call with Vladimir Putin on February 24. He clearly characterized the bilateral relationship as genuinely friendly and neighborly.

China-Russia relations have withstood the test of time and external challenges, becoming a model of strong partnership, strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation between major powers and neighbors.

Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit will be his eleventh to Russia as head of state. During this time, the two leaders have met over 40 times. In 2025 alone, they have already held two strategic dialogues, ensuring the continued development of their relations even amid global instability.

Personal interaction between the leaders remains a cornerstone of the strategic resilience of China-Russia ties.

This relationship is marked by maturity, stability, deepening mutual trust, strengthened strategic coordination, expanding practical cooperation, and a legacy of people-to-people friendship.

Bilateral Cooperation as a Driver of Development

In 2024, bilateral trade reached $244.8 billion, up 1.9% year-on-year. China has remained Russia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

In December last year, the eastern route of the China–Russia gas pipeline became fully operational, bolstering energy cooperation. The opening of passenger traffic through the Heihe–Kani-Kurgan checkpoint has boosted cross-border exchanges. Chinese cars have become a common sight on Russian roads, while Russian agricultural products are now a staple in Chinese households. Cooperation is deepening in the digital economy, e-commerce, biomedicine, scientific research, and green energy.

Cultural and humanitarian exchanges continue to enrich bilateral ties. The lifting of visa requirements for group tourism has revitalized travel flows. Academic cooperation between universities and institutions has expanded. Hundreds of events were held as part of the China–Russia Years of Culture. The joint film Red Silk enjoyed success in Russian theaters, and the Chinese production Wing Chun: The Legend of the Kung Fu Master was staged at the Bolshoi Theatre.

Honoring the Past, Building a Peaceful Future

On 9 May 2015, during the 70th Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, a PLA honor guard marched through Red Square. Xi Jinping saluted the Chinese soldiers as Vladimir Putin looked on.

China and the Soviet Union made immense contributions to the victory in World War II, suffering tremendous losses. Xi Jinping cited Russian historian Klyuchevsky’s words: “When the memory of history is lost, the soul may go astray,” stressing the importance of preserving historical truth, honoring the friendship between nations, and sharing responsibility for peace.

Since his first state visit to Russia in 2013, Xi Jinping has consistently paid tribute to the fallen — from laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to meeting with veterans. His words — “Justice prevails, peace prevails, the people prevail!” — have become a joint credo of both nations.

In 2020, the leaders of China and Russia exchanged messages on the 75th anniversary of Victory, reaffirming their duties as permanent members of the UN Security Council to uphold global peace.

Today, as Marshal Chuikov’s grandson Nikolai Chuikov notes, the China–Russia friendship is more important than ever, playing a vital role in global stability.

History teaches that humanity cannot live by the “law of the strong,” and international order must be based on justice, not hegemony — a conviction Xi Jinping expressed in an article for the Russian press in 2015.

China and Russia actively promote the alignment of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, oppose distortions of WWII history, and support the creation of a just international order.

Building a Shared Future — Uniting Peace-Loving Forces

Eighty years ago in San Francisco, representatives of China, the USSR, and other nations signed the UN Charter, laying the foundation for the postwar world order.

Its preamble — calling for tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation — reflects the universal aspiration for a stable future.

Amid modern challenges, including unilateral actions and pressure from certain powers, China and Russia stand as forces of peace and development.

As early as 2013 in Moscow, Xi Jinping introduced the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind — an idea he reaffirmed during a 2023 meeting with Putin.

In recent decades, both countries have jointly defended the UN Charter, international law, and the principles of multilateralism.

They actively engage in resolving major global crises — from the Iranian nuclear issue to other challenges facing the world.

Within the UN, SCO, BRICS, and G20, Beijing and Moscow coordinate their positions, advancing multipolarity, equality, and sustainable development.

In 2024, Russia chaired BRICS and China led the SCO. Both nations are amplifying the voice of the Global South, contributing to fair global governance.

Experts from Africa, the Caucasus, and other regions observe that the SCO and BRICS embody the spirit of the UN Charter, promote intercivilizational understanding, and foster sustainable economic growth and predictable global development.

Let the memory of the past guide us toward the future, and let genuine multilateralism be the foundation for a better world. Together with other peace- and justice-seeking nations, China and Russia continue to march forward toward building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xinhua News Agency