On April 1, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi accepted an exclusive interview with the Russia Today International Media Group during his official visit to Russia upon invitation.

In response to a journalist's question about the evaluation of China-Russia practical cooperation and key priorities for the next phase, Wang Yi said over the past few decades, with joint efforts from both sides,  China-Russia cooperation has expanded in scale, strengthened in foundation and broadened in scope, yielding fruitful result.  From the 156 key projects aided by the Soviet Union to China in the past to today's trade volume of 244.8 billion U.S. dollars, from Russian agricultural products appearing on the dinner tables of millions of Chinese families to Chinese cars driving through the streets of Russia, China-Russia practical cooperation continues to deepen and thrive, injecting vibrant energy into the development of bilateral relations.

Wang Yi said despite the current headwinds to global development, China-Russia practical cooperation has continued to navigate through challenges, maintaining steady growth in volume and improvement in quality. The first key factor is that the two heads of state steer the direction. President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin have maintained close exchanges, making top-level designs for China-Russia relations in the new era and providing a solid strategic guarantee. Second, the common development needs of both sides. China and Russia are partners on the path of development and rejuvenation. With a shared border of over 4,300 kilometers, the two countries have complementary advantages, vast potential, and ample space for cooperation. Third, the stable internal driving force. China-Russia cooperation is aimed at benefiting the two peoples. The two sides have established a comprehensive cooperation mechanism. No matter what external interference or oppression it faces, the China-Russia cooperation can overcome difficulties and stay on track without losing momentum. Fourth, a solid foundation of public support. The two peoples share common historical memories, similar values, and deep traditional friendship. They value mutually beneficial cooperation, which has generated an inexhaustible driving force for cooperation.

Wang Yi said that if the China-Russia cooperation can be compared to a high-speed train, although the scenery and weather along the way may change, the direction of the train will remain the same, and the steady pace of progress will remain unchanged. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, China-Russia cooperation will continue to move forward along the established track, working together to achieve three goals:

First, strengthen the material foundation for bilateral relations, solidify the fundamentals for economic, trade and energy cooperation, explore the potential for cooperation in areas such as scientific and technological innovation and green development, and foster new growth drivers for cooperation. Second, provide more opportunities for the joint revitalization of both countries, with further mutual openness, mutual learning of useful experience, sharing of innovation results, and deepening of industrial integration. Third, inject greater momentum into global development, further synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, lead regional cooperation, and contribute to the security, stability, and smooth flow of the global industrial and supply chains through high-level China-Russia cooperation.