According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on October 12, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, met with Russian President's Assistant and Chairman of the Maritime Committee, Patalushov, in Beijing.
Wang Yi conveyed the cordial greetings of President Xi Jinping to President Putin. Wang Yi stated that President Xi Jinping and President Putin maintain close communication, leading bilateral relations towards higher quality and level. Under the guidance of their leaders, China and Russia always focus on the long-term cause of national rejuvenation, standing at the historical height of maintaining international fairness and justice, and steadfastly developing bilateral relations. The strategic mutual trust between the two countries has become even stronger, cooperation in various fields more resilient, and multilateral coordination closer. Last month, the election of the new Duma in Russia was successful, and the results fully reflected the common will of the Russian people. China expressed its congratulations.
Wang Yi said that the world is currently facing a major change unseen in a century. The ocean serves as a blue link connecting the world, and it is crucial for the security and long-term development of countries around the globe. Both China and Russia are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and major maritime powers, thus bearing important responsibilities in international maritime affairs and having vast opportunities for cooperation. The Chinese initiative to build the "Ice Silk Road" coincides with Russia's efforts to develop the Arctic waterways. Cooperation in maritime affairs is becoming increasingly important within China-Russia comprehensive strategic collaboration. China is willing to work with Russia to strengthen the alignment of their maritime strategies, achieve complementary advantages, safeguard each other’s legitimate maritime rights and interests, maintain maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region, and ensure the normal flow of key global waterways. It is essential to respect the sovereignty and security of coastal states, ensure the stable supply of energy resources and the safe operation of production chains; expand exchanges on maritime and Arctic affairs between the two countries, activate the "blue engine" for the development of China-Russia relations, contribute to improving global maritime governance, and promote the establishment of a community with a shared future for the oceans.
Patrushev conveyed President Putin's sincere regards to President Xi Jinping. Patrushev stated that close exchanges between the two heads of state are the best guarantee for a dynamic, pragmatic, and forward-looking relationship between the two countries. In the current unstable international situation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and China is more important than ever. Both Russia and China have unique experiences and advantages in the maritime domain. Russia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as the construction of the “Trans-Arctic International Transport Corridor” and multilateral maritime governance. We also hope to learn from China’s valuable experience in shipbuilding, logistics, and maritime trade. Together, we will work to build a maritime community with a shared future, adding new dimensions to Russia-China comprehensive strategic cooperation.
Both sides also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern.
