CGTN: CHINA, RUSSIA STRENGTHEN TIES WITH OVER 20 NEW COOPERATION DEALS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- The China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline, spanning 3,000 kilometres (km) in Russia and 5,111 km in China, began operations in December last year, benefitting approximately 450 million people along its route, according to a recent report by China Global Television Network (CGTN).

This major infrastructure marks a milestone in bilateral energy cooperation, but as CGTN highlights in a statement, the China-Russia relationship extends far beyond energy.

Bilateral trade between the two nations surged to US$244.8 billion in 2024, making China Russia’s top trading partner for the 15th consecutive year. Ties at the leadership level remain close, with President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin having met more than 40 times. (US$1=RM4.27)

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During his state visit to Moscow this week, President Xi emphasised the deepening political trust and strategic alignment between the two countries. Speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War, Xi stated that China and Russia are committed to resisting unilateralism and defending the interests of developing nations.

CGTN reports Xi’s call for a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation—goals he described as essential for shared prosperity—and also emphasised the responsibility of both countries, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, to uphold global peace and stability.

Meanwhile, expert commentary in CGTN’s coverage underscores the strategic depth of the relationship. East China Normal University director of the Center for Russian Studies, Feng Shaolei described the China-Russia relationship as a stabilising force amid global transformation, noting the two countries’ commitment to autonomous domestic and foreign policies.

Peking University Professor Wang Yong said China and Russia should enhance cooperation through multilateral platforms to guide global governance and counter unilateralism and power politics.

During the visit, Xi and Putin witnessed the signing of over 20 bilateral agreements covering areas such as global strategic stability, international law, investment, the digital economy, quarantine standards, and cultural cooperation.

Cultural ties are also growing. As CGTN notes, 2024 and 2025 were designated the China-Russia Years of Culture, with hundreds of exchange activities planned, including exhibitions, film screenings and academic partnerships.

In education, over 200 Russian universities now offer Chinese language courses, with some 90,000 students enrolled. Meanwhile, more than 40,000 Chinese students are studying in Russia.

-- BERNAMA