by Temitope Oladeji
8/5/2025
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping formalized a joint agreement aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between their two nations.
The agreement followed both closed-door and extended bilateral talks in Moscow, where President Xi arrived a day earlier for a four-day visit.
President Xi’s visit coincided with Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations on May 9, which mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II, a war Russia refers to as the Great Patriotic War.
The Chinese leader is attending the traditional military parade in Moscow’s Red Square as part of the commemorative events.
Speaking at a press conference at the Kremlin after the signing ceremony, which also included a joint declaration on global strategic stability, President Putin described the discussions with Xi as “very meaningful and productive.”
He emphasized that Russia-China relations have reached an unprecedented level, characterized by autonomy and resilience, unaffected by internal politics or shifting global dynamics.
President Putin noted that the majority of trade between the two countries now takes place using their national currencies, reflecting a powerful and protected trade system insulated from external pressures and global market volatility.
He further highlighted the shared wartime sacrifices of both nations during World War II, stating that Russia and China are united in preserving the “historical truth” of their victory, a legacy he called a “common value for humanity.”
President Xi, in his remarks, stressed the need to deepen political mutual trust and strategic collaboration.
He advocated for stronger ties based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity, and asserted that both countries should continue to act as “stabilizing, positive, and progressive” forces in global affairs.
“Together, we will endure any storm and overcome all obstacles,” Xi declared.