In 2026, Russia and China commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation signed on 16 July 2001. Over the past quarter century, this landmark Treaty has served as a durable legal foundation for a steadily expanding partnership that spans politics, economics, energy and cultural exchange. Built on principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, the Treaty has enabled both nations to cultivate a model of interstate relations based on equality, trust and long-term strategic coordination.

Practical cooperation has been one of the most dynamic pillars of the partnership. Bilateral trade has grown from approximately US$10 billion in 2001 to a record level exceeding US$240 billion in 2024. This remarkable expansion reflects both the structural complementarity of the two economies and the effectiveness of the cooperative mechanisms guided by the spirit of the Treaty. Russia mainly exports oil, natural gas and coal, playing a key role in supporting its partner’s energy security, while China supplies a wide range of manufactured goods, machinery, electronics and vehicles. The steady expansion of trade has been supported by a growing use of national payment systems in bilateral transactions, which contributed to greater resilience and autonomy in bilateral trade. Cross-border infrastructure projects, including bridges connecting the Russian Far East with Northeastern China, have enhanced logistical connectivity and facilitated trade flows.
Energy cooperation serves as the ballast of practical cooperation between the two countries and one of the most representative fields of strategic coordination. The China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline (Power of Siberia), launched in December 2019, represents one of the largest infrastructure projects between the two countries, with an annual capacity of 38 billion cubic meters of gas. The two sides are also advancing new cross-border energy corridor projects, highlighting the sustaining and forward-looking nature of this cooperation.

Beyond oil and gas supply, both countries have made substantial progress in technological collaboration, with joint ventures being launched in sectors such as peaceful use of nuclear energy, civil aviation and space exploration. The construction of new nuclear power units in China with Russian participation, as well as ongoing cooperation between the two countries’ space agencies, reflect a shared commitment to advancing high-technology industries.

Equally important are the deepening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries. Years of cultural exchange, tourism initiatives and educational programmes have strengthened people-to-people connections. In 2026-2027, the two sides will jointly host the China-Russia Year of Education, which will further boost cooperation in scientific research and foster closer exchanges between universities, as well as among young students, of the two countries.

The resilience and adaptability of Russia-China cooperation have been particularly evident in recent years. Amid tectonic global transformations, both countries have continued to expand trade and explore new areas of partnership. The growth in economic indicators and the successful implementation of major projects underscore the effectiveness of the Treaty as a guiding framework.

As Russia and China mark this significant anniversary, the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation stands as an important legal underpinning for the enduring strength of this partnership, contributing to economic development, regional connectivity and international stability.

Looking to the future, both countries remain committed to further strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Building on a strong record of achievements, Russia and China are well-positioned to expand cooperation in emerging fields while continuing to uphold the principles that have guided their relations for the past quarter century.

In Bangladesh, Russia and China are ready to strengthen coordination in the spirit of mutual respect and consensus-building, and to work jointly for peace, stability and sustainable development in South Asia. Leveraging their respective strengths, the two sides will focus on key areas including infrastructure, energy security, and the improvement of livelihoods, and jointly support Bangladesh’s socioeconomic development and industrialisation process, thereby delivering tangible benefits to the people of Bangladesh.
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Alexander Khozin is Ambassador of Russia to Bangladesh, and Yao Wen is Ambassador of China to Bangladesh