Tatyana Golikova and Shen Yiqin, Member of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
The 26th meeting of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation
The 26th meeting of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation
The 26th meeting of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation
The 26th meeting of the Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation
Tatyana Golikova and Shen Yiqin, Member of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China
The Russian-Chinese Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation held its 26th meeting in Beijing, co-chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Shen Yiqin, Member of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The meeting involved representatives of competent government agencies. The parties exchanged views on the current state and prospects of developing cooperation across all areas of humanitarian engagement. The meeting participants produced several approved decisions that were included in the Commission’s protocol.
The 26th meeting of the Commission took place ahead of the 30th regular meeting of heads of government, serving as an important stage in preparations for the latter.
“The overarching partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China continue to strengthen despite the unstable international situation. They are unaffected by the political climate and demonstrate strong resilience against external influences. We are satisfied to note that Russia-China contacts, especially at the highest level, remain intensive. The trustful dialogue between the leaders of the two countries plays a key role in promoting the entire scope of Russia-China ties,” Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova stressed.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the shared Victory over German Nazism and Japanese militarism.
“We perceive the decision by our leaders to celebrate the Great Victory in Moscow and Beijing as deeply symbolic. Our countries fulfil a shared mission in the modern world: they are responsible for preserving the historical truth about the events of World War II and passing it to the younger generation,” Tatyana Golikova said.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that it is important to consistently expand the humanitarian contacts between Russia and China. Their strategic development is reflected in the roadmap of Russia-China humanitarian cooperation until 2030 adopted by the heads of government in Bishkek in October 2023. Implementation of the programmes under the roadmap continues as planned.
About 500 Chinese specialists annually participate in scientific and practical events in the field of medicine held in Russia.
Combating oncological diseases remains one of the most promising areas for bilateral interaction. Leading Russian oncological centres have established partnerships with six oncological institutions in the PRC. At the same time, Chinese citizens display an increasing demand for Russian medical education, with more than 1,500 Chinese students currently studying at our universities.
Cooperation in culture is a major component of the partnership between Russia and China.
“Russia and China’s reciprocal years of culture are coming to an end. The celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression were the highlight of this year’s cultural events. To date, the Russian side has held more than 170 events, and the large-scale exhibition of Ilya Repin’s masterpieces at the National Museum of China was one of the most exciting events,” noted Tatiana Golikova. “The gala ceremony for the closing the Russia and China’s years of culture is scheduled to take place in November at the State Tretyakov Gallery, which will host a unique calligraphic exhibition from the National Museum of China and a joint concert of Russian and Chinese performers.”
The tradition of holding a library forum and a culture and arts fair continues. Exchange festivals of national cinema have also become a valued tradition.
Tourist exchanges, which are traditionally distinguished by high performance results, play a special role in Russian-Chinese humanitarian ties. According to Russian statistics, the total tourist flow reached 1.4 million trips in the first six months of 2025, which is 20 percent more than in the same period last year.
Special importance is attached to developing partnerships with China in sport. Cooperation between Russian and Chinese sports federations is steadily progressing. Over 2,500 Russian athletes and coaches are set to go to China to take part in competitions and training events in more than 40 athletic disciplines in 2025. This figure is twice as high as it was last year.
The Russian-Chinese Winter and Summer Youth Games are a vivid example of mutually beneficial partnership. In January 2025, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk successfully hosted the 4th Russian-Chinese Winter Youth Games. Preparations are currently underway for the 10th Russian-Chinese Summer Youth Games, scheduled to take place in May 2026.
Mass communications are a crucial area of bilateral cooperation. The popularity of Russian resources in China and Chinese ones in Russia continues to grow. Over the past year, RT videos have averaged 211 million views per month, while Sputnik China has become the first and only foreign media outlet to launch a mini app within China’s WeChat messenger. Agreements on developing contacts have been signed between Gazprom Media Holding and the Xinhua News Agency, and between the National Media Group and the China Media Group.
Contacts between archives are also expanding, helping to increase access to historical materials and promote archival documents relating to the history and development of Russian-Chinese relations. Joint historical and documentary exhibitions and publications are being prepared, including a joint edition of correspondence between Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong.
Russia and China are continuing to strengthen bilateral youth cooperation. This year, particular attention was given to moral and patriotic education. Notable examples include the tour by Russian and Chinese youth choirs Hand in Hand! and the educational programme Russian as a Foreign Language held at the Mashuk Knowledge Centre. Russian and Chinese delegations of young leaders are actively taking part in major youth events in both countries.
By decision of the heads of state, 2026 and 2027 will be declared the Years of Education.
Following the meeting of the commission, the following documents were signed:
1. Minutes of the 25th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Education.
2. Minutes of the 25th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Healthcare.
3. Minutes of the 25th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Sport.
4. Minutes of the 18th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Media.
5. Minutes of the 18th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Cinematography.
6. Minutes of the 15th meeting of the Sub-commission on Cooperation in the Area of Youth Policy.
7. Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Russian Federation) and the All-China Youth Federation (People’s Republic of China).
