On July 13, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing.

Wang Yi welcomed Sergei Lavrov to China for the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States. He said that China-Russia relations represent the most stable, mature and strategically valuable major-country relationship in the world today. The two sides have always viewed and advanced bilateral cooperation in various fields from a historical depth, strategic height, and long-term perspective. The two foreign ministers have stayed in close contact, which is conducive to the timely implementation of the common understandings reached between the two heads of state. The current priority is to jointly prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, deepen comprehensive strategic coordination, promote their respective development and revitalization, and work together to address the challenges posed by a turbulent and changing world.

Wang Yi said that the SCO serves as an important platform for carrying out comprehensive strategic coordination, upholding multilateralism, enhancing practical cooperation and strengthening solidarity among the Global South. As the current rotating chair, China is ready to work with Russia and other member states to make thorough preparations for the Tianjin Summit, chart the course for future development, inject fresh impetus into cooperation across various areas, and elevate the SCO's development to a new level. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The two sides should also organize a series of commemorative activities marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II (WWII), and safeguard the correct historical narrative of WWII.

Sergei Lavrov said that Russia is willing to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, and promote continuous new achievements in Russia-China relations. Russia will continue to fully support China in holding the rotating presidency of the SCO, enhance communication and coordination within the framework of SCO and others, and work for the complete success of the Tianjin Summit.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues such as the Korean Peninsula, the Ukraine crisis and the Iranian nuclear issue.