MOSCOW (Realist English). Relations between Russia and China represent the most stable example of interaction between major powers in the modern world and play a stabilizing role in the international system, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Chinese media group SMG.
According to the Russian foreign minister, relations between Moscow and Beijing are built on the principles of mutual respect, consideration of each other’s interests, and mutual benefit.
“These are probably the most stable relations between two great powers in the modern world. Any issues are considered in a way that ensures a balance of interests,” Lavrov said.
The minister stressed that relations between Moscow and Beijing are based not only on political cooperation but also on a substantial economic foundation. According to him, bilateral trade turnover has exceeded $200 billion for several consecutive years.
Lavrov stated that Russia remains China’s largest supplier of pipeline gas and one of its major exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and coal. He also said that the two sides had finalized agreements regarding the construction of the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, while discussions continue on the development of the Far Eastern route.
In addition to energy cooperation, Moscow and Beijing are actively expanding ties in nuclear energy, the space sector, and high technologies.
Lavrov said China has been helping Russia overcome restrictions imposed by Western countries.
“Both China and Russia must rely primarily on their own strength and our fraternal solidarity,” the minister said.
The Russian foreign minister also linked the strengthening of Russian-Chinese cooperation with the broader process of building a multipolar world order. According to him, changes in the global system are occurring objectively due to the redistribution of economic weight toward Asia, Africa, and countries of the Global South.
Lavrov argued that the existing international architecture requires reform. He called for broader representation of Asian, African, and Latin American countries in the UN Security Council and international financial institutions.
The minister also stressed that Russia and China have almost completely shifted bilateral trade settlements to national currencies.
“Russia and China already conduct 100% of their trade in rubles and yuan,” he stated.
Speaking about the conflict in Ukraine, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s position that the “root causes of the conflict” must be addressed and said Russia would continue pursuing its stated objectives.
According to him, one of Russia’s priorities remains preventing Ukraine from becoming a military threat to Russian security.
“We will achieve our goals under any circumstances,” the Russian foreign minister emphasized.
Lavrov also stated that Moscow remains open to negotiations and continues to maintain communication channels with US representatives. However, in his view, European countries are influencing the negotiation process and obstructing progress toward agreements.
The minister separately highlighted expanding humanitarian ties between Russia and China. According to him, approximately 60,000 Chinese students are currently studying at Russian universities, while more than 20,000 Russian citizens are pursuing education in China.
The years 2026–2027 have been designated as Years of Russian-Chinese Educational Cooperation.