Xi Calls for Deepened China-Russia Energy Ties at Vladivostok Forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the eighth China-Russia Energy Business Forum held in Vladivostok on September 4, calling for deeper energy collaboration to ensure stable and smooth industrial and supply chains. Marking key diplomatic milestones between the two countries, Xi described bilateral energy ties as an exemplary model of mutual benefit. Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory letter to the gathering on the same day.

The simultaneous messages from both heads of state signal sustained political alignment in energy trade between Beijing and Moscow, reflecting shared priorities in securing export markets and diversifying import routes against the backdrop of shifting global energy geopolitics.

The eighth China-Russia Energy Business Forum opened on September 4 in Vladivostok, Russia, drawing top-level political backing as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin both submitted congratulatory letters, according to state media reports. In his message, Xi noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, as well as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. He stated that amid complex international changes, the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two nations has maintained high-level development, adding that bilateral energy cooperation has produced fruitful outcomes and served as a model of mutually beneficial cooperation. Xi emphasized that the international energy landscape is undergoing profound adjustments, with opportunities and challenges interweaving. He stated that China is willing to work with Russia to continually deepen energy cooperation and jointly safeguard the stability and smooth operation of energy industrial and supply chains. President Putin also sent a congratulatory letter to the eighth forum on the same day, according to report dispatches. Bilateral energy trade has expanded in recent years across crude oil, natural gas, and coal, accompanied by an increased use of national currencies in trade settlements. However, initial official reports did not detail specific project agreements, commercial contract values, or pipeline milestones signed during the forum.