Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference on August 8, 2026. A reporter asked: Russian Presidential Assistant and Chairman of the Maritime Council, Patrushev, is currently visiting China. Can you introduce the arrangements for Patrushev's visit? How does China evaluate the current China Russia relationship?

Mao Ning: China and Russia are comprehensive strategic partners for cooperation in the new era. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President and President Putin, political mutual trust between China and Russia has deepened, strategic cooperation has become increasingly close, mutually beneficial cooperation has continued to expand, and a new model of international relations and neighboring major country relations has been established.

This is Mr. Patrushev's first visit to China as the Chairman of the Russian Maritime Commission. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Office, as well as other relevant department heads, will hold separate meetings with Chairman Patrushev to exchange views on bilateral relations and maritime cooperation. The Chinese side is willing to take this visit as an opportunity to further deepen strategic communication and promote pragmatic cooperation with the Russian side, continuously injecting new development momentum into China Russia relations in the new era.Editor/Min Jing