10th China-Russia Expo Opens in Harbin, Marking Milestones in Bilateral Partnership

The 10th China-Russia Expo opened on Sunday in Harbin, Heilongjiang, covering 55,000 m² and featuring over 1,500 companies from 46 countries for five days.

China Daily

The launch marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation. Officials describe the relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, with the expo intended to deepen cooperation by exploiting geographic proximity and complementary economies.

Global Times

Bilateral trade reached $227.9 billion in 2023 and $85.2 billion in the first four months of 2024, a 19.7 % year-on-year rise. The Ministry of Commerce reported $61.2 billion in the first quarter, a 14.7 % increase. China has been Russia’s largest trading partner for 16 years, with annual trade above $200 billion for three consecutive years.

China Daily

President Xi Jinping’s letter said the expo offers an opportunity for both sides to deepen all-round practical cooperation, promote economic and social development, and improve the well-being of their peoples. President Vladimir Putin called the expo the largest bilateral exhibition, a platform for direct, in-depth dialogue, and expressed confidence that it will generate positive outcomes and new prospects for cooperation. Chinese officials noted that President Putin’s two-day state visit, beginning Tuesday, will aim to consolidate ties, coordinate on international issues and reinforce the post-war world order.

Global TimesXi, Putin send messages to mark opening of 10th China-Russia ExpoChina Daily

• “It is hoped that the expo will serve as an opportunity for various sectors of the two countries to leverage their geographical proximity and complementary advantages, deepen all-round practical cooperation, further promote economic and social development, and continuously enhance the well-being of the two peoples, he said in the letter.” — Xi Jinping, President of China

China Daily

• “In his message, Putin said the expo has evolved into the largest exhibition event between the two countries, providing a platform for direct and in-depth dialogue between the two sides.” — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

Global Times

• “In the economic sphere, we look forward to an increase in cross-border trade and the creation of new logistics chains.” — Aleksandr Sergeevich Kalashnikov, Deputy Mayor of Blagoveshchensk

China Daily

• “In terms of cultural exchanges, we look forward to expanding student exchanges and joint cultural festivals to strengthen the friendship between our two peoples," he said.” — Aleksandr Sergeevich Kalashnikov, Deputy Mayor of Blagoveshchensk

China Daily

President Putin’s state visit is expected to produce joint statements on deepening cooperation, strategic stability and upholding international law. Observers anticipate the talks will shape coordination in multilateral bodies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. Agreements signed at the expo in high-technology, green energy and logistics are slated to feed into China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

China Daily