Premier Of The State Council Of China Li Qiang: 'The Strategic Leadership Of President Xi And President Putin Has Guided China-Russia Relations And Elevated Them To An Unprecedentedly High Level'

On August 21, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin met at the Kremlin with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang. As reported by China Daily, Premier Li Qiang arrived in Moscow on August 20, starting an official visit aimed "at carrying forward the enduring friendship and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia." Li said that he believes that "the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era will enjoy better prospects through joint efforts from both sides."[1]

It is worth noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Russia. Li said that "over the past 75 years, the two countries' relations have withstood the test of the changing international landscape and has grown more resilient with new vitality."[2]

In Moscow, Li Qiang co-chaired the 29th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. On that occasion, he said that "China is ready to work with Russia to strengthen all-round practical cooperation between the two countries, and push the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to a new level."[3]

At the meeting, Mishustin stated that Moscow and Beijing "should jointly defend their interests and the principles of the multipolar world order in the conditions of Western sanctions pressure." "Western countries are trying to maintain their global dominance and contain the economic and technological potential of Russia and China," Mishustin said. He then added: "That is why it is important to concentrate efforts on protecting our common interests, building a multipolar world order and strengthening coordination on international platforms," Mishustin emphasized.[4]

Following is the transcript of the meeting in the Kremlin between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang:[5]

(Source: Kremlin.ru)

Putin: "Our Countries Have Developed Large-Scale Joint Plans And Projects"

Vladimir Putin: "Friends,

"I am pleased to welcome all of you − especially you, Mr Premier, on your first official visit to Moscow leading a representative Chinese delegation.

"Our countries have developed large-scale joint plans and projects in the economic and humanitarian spheres, which are set to continue for many years. Together with our friend President Xi Jinping, we have established key points of reference during our summits in Moscow and Beijing. These points were further consolidated by agreements reached during our conversation in July, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of State Council meeting in Astana. Please convey our friendly greetings and best wishes to President Xi, and we look forward to seeing him in October at the BRICS summit in Kazan.

"We must not forget that October 2 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. We will duly commemorate this significant milestone.

"I have been informed that today you and Prime Minister Mishustin held a detailed discussion on the entire range of trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation issues at the regular meeting of Russian and Chinese heads of government. A number of bilateral documents aimed at furthering beneficial cooperation have been signed.

"We are delighted to have you here. Our trade relations are not only developing but also flourishing, thanks in part to the efforts of our Chinese friends. The attention and commitment shown by both governments towards the development of trade and economic relations have yielded positive results.

"China has been a regular participant in the Eastern Economic Forum, and we look forward to seeing the Chinese delegation led by Vice President of the People's Republic of China Han Zheng in Vladivostok in October. We hope that he will take part in the event.

"Welcome."

Li Qiang: 'We Stand Ready To Work With You To Fulfil The Top-Level Decisions And Expand Our Multi-Faceted Mutually Beneficial Cooperation'

Li Qiang: "President Putin, I am delighted to meet with you once again.

"Let me start by conveying sincere greetings and best wishes on behalf of President of China Xi Jinping.

"This is my first visit to Russia as the Premier of the State Council of China. Over the past two days, I have taken part in several face-to-face meetings with my Russian colleagues, gained a sense of optimism the people of Russia have, and witnessed Russia's vibrant socioeconomic development.

"Under your wise leadership, Russia has remained focused on promoting sustained economic growth over the past two years. In fact, your country's GDP increased by 4.7 percent in the first six months of this year alone. Achieving such a high rate is never easy, and as your close friend and ally, we cannot help but welcome and deeply appreciate these achievements.

"The strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Putin has guided China-Russia relations and elevated them to an unprecedentedly high level. The two heads of state have met twice since the beginning of this year. Together, you launched historical celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia, outlining new plans and providing a powerful impetus for deeper bilateral ties.

"Looking ahead, we stand ready to work with you to fulfil the top-level decisions and expand our multi-faceted mutually beneficial cooperation.

"I am at your disposal to discuss matters of mutual interest. Thank you."