China and Russia Bolster Strategic Ties in 20th Security Consultation in Moscow

High-Level Talks Held in Moscow

On December 2, 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu co-chaired the 20th round of China-Russia strategic security consultations in Moscow. The high-level meeting aimed to deepen strategic mutual trust and enhance coordination on critical international and regional issues.

The two officials engaged in comprehensive and in-depth discussions concerning the strategic security interests of both nations, leading to new common understandings and a strengthened strategic mutual trust. Both sides committed to fully implementing the important consensuses previously reached by their respective heads of state, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, in the realm of strategic security, with the goal of advancing bilateral strategic coordination to a higher quality.

Key Areas of Discussion

The consultations covered a broad spectrum of topics, reflecting the expanding scope of the China-Russia strategic partnership. Key areas of discussion included:

• International and Regional Security: An extensive exchange of views on the current international and regional security landscape, with particular attention to the situation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Ukraine Crisis: Sergei Shoigu outlined Russia's position and considerations regarding the Ukraine crisis, while Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to playing a constructive role in promoting peace talks and a political settlement.
• Military and Technical Cooperation: Discussions also encompassed cooperation in military and military-technical spheres, as well as interaction between law enforcement agencies and special services.
• Stance on Japan: A significant portion of the talks focused on strategic alignment regarding issues related to Japan. Both sides reached a high degree of consensus, agreeing to 'resolutely uphold the outcomes of World War II victory' and 'firmly oppose any attempts to whitewash colonial aggression and resolutely counter any attempts to revive fascism or Japanese militarism'.
• One-China Principle: Russia reaffirmed its firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed strong support for China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Xizang, Xinjiang, and Hong Kong.

Context and Future Outlook

The consultations underscored the enduring nature of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination. Wang Yi highlighted that China-Russia relations have achieved high-level development throughout the current year. The year 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, a theme that resonated in the discussions on upholding historical truths.

Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. These upcoming milestones are seen as crucial for the continued development of bilateral relations in the new era. Both nations stressed their shared responsibility as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to safeguard world peace and security, and to champion historical truth and international justice.