Chinese President Xi Jinping announces a “once-in-a-century” reset of the world order

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of strategic cooperation between Russia and China during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Beijing. The Chinese leader said that a global transformation “like that occurs once in a century” and is currently underway.

Xi Jinping stated that the two countries need to strengthen mutual trust, provide support and defend their common interests, highlighting that the stability of bilateral relations is an essential factor in an international context marked by uncertainty.

“Faced with a once-in-a-century transformation, China and Russia need to, through closer and more robust strategic cooperation, resolutely defend the legitimate interests of both countries, uphold the unity of the Global South, and demonstrate the sense of responsibility expected of major powers and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council,” the leader from Beijing said, according to the Xinhua agency, quoted by Reuters.

Xi Jinping begins to open up to Western states

Xi is also expected to meet with his Russian counterpart later this year to reaffirm the strategic partnership and mark various anniversaries, including the Sino-Russian friendship treaty signed in 2001.

The statements come at a time when China is expanding its diplomatic relations with other states. In 2026, several Western leaders, including the prime ministers of Spain, Britain and Canada, visited Beijing to strengthen bilateral ties.

The head of Russian diplomacy arrived in the Chinese capital on April 14th for a two-day official visit. Sergey Lavrov first met with his counterpart, Wang Yi.

The two countries, which are partners in many areas, from military to economic, primarily addressed the war on Iran, triggered by Israel and the United States. Other topics on the agenda of the meeting included the war in Ukraine and the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Lavrov and Yi also discussed coordination within multilateral organizations and formats, such as the United Nations, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

yogaesoteric
April 20, 2026