Wang Yi Meets with Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev OCTOBER

On October 12, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met in Beijing with Russian Presidential Aide and Chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to President Vladimir Putin. He noted that President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin maintain close communications, guiding the bilateral relations to move forward with higher quality and standards. Under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia have always focused on the long‑term cause of national rejuvenation. Standing at the historic height of upholding international fairness and justice, the two countries are firmly committed to growing the bilateral ties. They have achieved stronger strategic mutual trust, more resilient cooperation across all fields, and closer multilateral coordination. China extends its congratulations on the smooth conclusion of the State Duma elections in Russia last month. The results of the elections fully reflect the common will of the Russian people.

Wang Yi said that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The ocean serves as a blue bond connecting the world, bearing on the security and long‑term development of all countries. Both China and Russia are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and major maritime nations. They shoulder important responsibilities and enjoy broad prospects for cooperation in international maritime affairs. China’s initiative of the Polar Silk Road resonates well with Russia’s efforts to develop the Northern Sea Route. Maritime cooperation is of increasing significance in China‑Russia comprehensive strategic coordination. China stands ready to work with Russia to align maritime strategies, draw on each other’s strengths, safeguard the legitimate maritime rights and interests of both sides, uphold maritime security in the Asia‑Pacific region, and ensure normal passage of key global shipping lanes. It is important to respect the sovereignty and security of coastal states, guarantee the stable supply of energy and resources and the sound operation of industrial and supply chains. The two sides should expand exchanges on maritime and Arctic‑related affairs, activate the “blue engine” for China‑Russia relations, contribute China‑Russia efforts to improving global maritime governance, and advance the building of a maritime community with a shared future.

Nikolai Patrushev conveyed President Vladimir Putin’s sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He stated that the close exchanges between the two heads of state constitute the best guarantee for dynamic, pragmatic and future‑oriented bilateral relations. Amid the current turbulent international landscape, the Russia‑China comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era matters more than ever before. Russia and China boast their own distinctive experience and strengths in the maritime field. Russia is ready to step up cooperation with China in fields such as developing the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and multilateral maritime governance. Russia will learn from China’s useful experience in shipbuilding, logistics and maritime trade, and will work with China to advance the building of a maritime community with a shared future and add new dimensions to Russia-China comprehensive strategic coordination.

The two sides also had in‑depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues of common concern.