Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting to solidify strategic ties and ensure global stability. This meeting marks the first between the two leaders this year, as both nations look to align amid rising global geopolitical tensions.

• The meeting took place virtually from Beijing on Wednesday, February 5, which also marked the start of lichun, or Start of Spring, in the Chinese calendar.
• President Xi emphasized the need for China and Russia to safeguard global strategic stability and uphold the victorious outcomes of World War II.
• Bilateral trade between China and Russia maintained steady momentum in the past year, with ongoing cultural exchanges and multilateral coordination aimed at a more just global governance system.
• This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the launch of the China-Russia Years of Education (2026 and 2027).
• President Putin expressed confidence in the development of bilateral ties and affirmed Russia's commitment to strengthening strategic coordination on multilateral platforms like the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.