Kuala Lumpur, July 10 (AseanAll)  — On July 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Wang Yi said that the heads of state of China and Russia have maintained strategic communication to guide the sound and steady growth of China-Russia relations amid profound changes unseen in a century. In May this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, commemorating history together with the peace-loving people of all countries and opening up the future. Last month, the two heads of state had a phone call, jointly sending a strong voice of China and Russia on international and regional hotspot issues. China is ready to work with Russia to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, continuously elevate the level of China-Russia strategic coordination, safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, and support each other's development and rejuvenation.

Wang Yi said that the Asia-Pacific is a highland of development and promising land for cooperation, as well as a shared neighborhood for China and Russia. As important dialogue partners of ASEAN, China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination on the East Asian cooperation platform, support the ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture, uphold the right direction of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, and help further build development consensus for the East Asia cooperation mechanism, making it a major engine and positive force for global development.

Sergei Lavrov, on behalf of Russia, extended congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Russia have maintained close coordination and cooperation, which demonstrates the global and strategic significance of the bilateral relationship, especially under current circumstances. Both Russia and China support ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation and are committed to safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The two countries should remain vigilant against attempts by a certain major power to sow division and provoke confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, jointly prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as BRICS.

Wang Yi thanked Russia for its congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that this reflects the traditional friendship between the two sides. The CPC has more than 100 million members, making it the world's largest political party and demonstrating an ever-growing vitality and vigor. As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, dedicated to the great long-term cause of the Chinese nation, the CPC at its centenary is right in its prime.

The two sides exchanged views on the Iranian nuclear issue. Sergei Lavrov introduced Russia's position and considerations. Wang Yi said that the use of force cannot bring peace, and that pressure will not solve problems. Dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way out. China values Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and respects Iran's right as a state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons to peacefully use nuclear energy. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and important participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, China and Russia should continue to strengthen strategic coordination, promote the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, jointly uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and advance peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on other international and regional hotspot issues of common interest and concern, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.