China and Russia have extended their long-running Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, reinforcing the increasingly close political, economic and strategic relationship between the two powers.
The treaty, first signed in 2001 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and former Chinese leader Jiang Zemin, outlines cooperation on diplomacy, trade, defence and regional security. Originally lasting 20 years, the agreement was renewed in 2022 and has now reportedly been extended again, according to Chinese state media.
The development came as Xi Jinping and Putin held high-level talks in Moscow, with both leaders emphasising the strength of relations between their countries.
Russian state media outlet TASS reported Putin described Xi as a “dear friend” and used a Chinese idiom to illustrate how eagerly he had anticipated the meeting. Putin said relations between Moscow and Beijing had reached an “unprecedentedly high level” and claimed trade between the two nations had expanded more than 30-fold over the past 25 years.
During the discussions, Xi also addressed the conflict in the Middle East, describing the situation as being at a “critical juncture” and warning that renewed hostilities would be “unacceptable”. According to Chinese state media agency Xinhua, Xi said peace efforts should focus on easing tensions, reducing conflict and building international consensus. He pointed to a four-point proposal previously outlined during talks with the Abu Dhabi crown prince, centred on peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international law and balancing development with security.
The leaders are also expected to oversee the signing of 21 cooperation agreements, including a joint statement aimed at further strengthening the China-Russia strategic partnership and another declaration promoting what both countries describe as a “multipolar world” and a new form of international relations.
Chinese media later reported Xi told Putin that relations between China and Russia had entered “a new stage of more progress and faster development”, while Putin described the partnership as “exemplary” and focused on improving the wellbeing of both nations’ people.
Putin and Xi agreed to extend the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia, Xinhua reports.
The Chinese President stated that the agreement signed 25 years ago laid the foundation for long-term friendship and comprehensive strategic… pic.twitter.com/FbzUmctEgy
— Sprinter Press Agency (@SprinterPress) May 20, 2026
