President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin held talks with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping in a video conference format (February 4, 2026)
V.V. Putin: Dear Mr. President, my dear friend!
Glad to continue the good tradition of our personal communication at the beginning of a new year as we reflect on the past period and make plans for the future. Especially on such a symbolic day – according to the Chinese national calendar today is the “Establishment of Spring” – Lichun, after which the frost disappears, renewal and the beginning of a new cycle in nature.
And for Russian-Chinese relations, it can be said with confidence that any season is spring.
I would like to personally congratulate you and in your face all the friendly Chinese people a Happy New Year, 2026 and the upcoming Spring Festival, with which the year of the Red Fire Horse will come, as we know, and it has the strength, energy and drive to move forward – what distinguishes the ties between our countries; regardless from the international economy, I am confident in their strength and affordable development in all areas.
The Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction are exemplary.
This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of our relationship with the Treaty of Good Neighborhood, Friendship and Cooperation. Its further implementation certainly meets the core interests of the peoples of the two countries, contributes to strengthening the comprehensive, truly all-inclusive relationship between Russia and China, and most importantly, improving the well-being of our citizens. <… >
#Victory80: We were able to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Second World War in May in Moscow and in September in Beijing. The fact that we have been together in these days has demonstrated to the world our solidarity, the readiness of Russia and China to defend the historical truth, to carefully preserve the memory of the heroic feat of the peoples of our countries, who at the cost of tens of millions of lives restored the world. China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, culminating in the Tianjin summit, ended with considerable practical results. <… >
Economic cooperation in 2025 continued to develop steadily. Despite a slight decline, I would say even an adjustment of indicators, revenue tops the $200 billion mark for the third consecutive year with a solid inventory. <… >
We are also satisfied with the pace of humanitarian exchanges. The Years of Culture were successfully completed, held within their framework of more than 400 vivid events aroused undivided interest from citizens of both countries. Of course, we don’t stop there. In particular, the Chinese New Year will again be widely celebrated in Moscow, and in other Russian cities, it has become a good tradition for us too, and residents and guests of Beijing will get to know the Russian traditions of spending winter at the Moscow Buttermilk Festival.
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The introduction of a visa-free regime undoubtedly contributes to the growth of business and humanitarian contacts. I acknowledge you for this initiative, which we readily supported. As far as I know, with the beginning of its implementation, no significant issues arise from the relevant profile agencies.
As for the international situation, in the midst of growing turbulence in the world, the foreign policy relationship between Moscow and Beijing remains an important stabilizing factor. Ready to continue the closest coordination on global and regional issues both on a bilateral track and on all multilateral platforms: in the #UN, #BRICS, #SHOS and others, where the Russian-Chinese tandem plays a key role. <… >
Dear friend, once again Happy New Year and the upcoming Spring Holiday!
Good health to you personally, prosperity and good luck “in ten thousand things”, and to the friendly Chinese people – peace and prosperity.
