by HAOYU ZHANG
BEIJING – CHINA and Russia have pledged to deepen parliamentary cooperation as both nations mark the 20th anniversary of their joint legislative exchange mechanism.
China’s top legislator, Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met in Beijing on Monday with Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia’s State Duma, for the 10th meeting of the China-Russia Committee for Parliamentary Cooperation.
Zhao emphasized that under the “strategic guidance” of Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has entered what he called “a period of high-level, stable development.”
He said legislative bodies should serve as anchors of political trust, while also enhancing cooperation in governance, lawmaking, and oversight.
“China and Russia enjoy complementary strengths and broad potential for collaboration,” Zhao said. “Our parliaments must expand exchanges, consolidate mutual trust, and contribute more effectively to the revitalization of our nations.”
The meeting comes as both countries seek closer ties amid heightened tensions with the West.
The United States and its allies have tightened sanctions on Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine, while also intensifying trade and technology restrictions on Beijing.
Analysts say this shifting geopolitical landscape is accelerating Sino-Russian efforts to position themselves as an alternative power bloc to U.S.-led global structures.
Zhao called for stronger alignment between the NPC and Russia’s Federal Assembly within multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
He urged both sides to jointly uphold “a correct historical perspective on World War II,” safeguard the UN-centered international order, and promote what Beijing calls “true multilateralism.”
For his part, Volodin said Russia’s State Duma is committed to reinforcing ties with China’s legislature, particularly in implementing consensus reached by Xi and Putin. He highlighted opportunities in business facilitation, cultural exchanges, and coordinated approaches to global governance.
The two parliaments pledged to use the anniversary year to expand institutional exchanges, explore new areas of legislative cooperation, and support broader economic and cultural partnerships.
Observers note that while the U.S. continues to experience strains in its global influence—amid challenges from inflation, trade disputes, and declining dominance in some emerging markets—China and Russia are seeking to showcase their partnership as a counterweight.
– CAJ News
