Scholars explore path to modernization through stronger China-Russia ties

Participants at an international symposium in Beijing called for deeper academic exchanges, stronger people-to-people ties, and closer practical cooperation between China and Russia as the two countries pursue their respective paths to modernization.

The symposium, titled "China and Russia: The Path to Modernization (2025)", was held on Aug 29, bringing together leading scholars to strengthen academic and policy cooperation between the two countries. It was jointly hosted by the Institute of Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS).

In his opening remarks, Zhao Zhimin, secretary-general of the CASS, underscored that China and Russia are "partners on the journey to modernization". He noted that deepening bilateral relations is a natural choice to advance both countries' development and revitalization, highlighting the stable and high-level momentum of China-Russia ties, which are built on long-term friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Zhao further stated that in the face of rising unilateralism, power politics and hegemonism, China will continue to work with Russia to safeguard the rights of developing countries, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and advance inclusive economic globalization. He also pledged that CASS would deepen collaboration with Russian counterparts to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state.

Nikolay Andreevich Makarov, vice-president of the RAS, delivered a video address, describing Russia-China relations as being "at the highest level in history". He stressed that amid increasing global economic fragmentation and protectionism, it is vital for scholars from both countries to share research, learn from each other's experience, and provide policy recommendations to jointly promote modernization and bilateral cooperation.

Sun Zhuangzhi, director of the CASS Institute of Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, pointed to the tangible results of China-Russia partnership, highlighting historic highs in economic and trade cooperation and the successful implementation of major landmark projects. He expressed hope that the symposium would continue to serve as a key platform for dialogue.

Mikhail Golovnin, director of the Institute of Economics of the RAS, said the discussions would help experts better anticipate global economic development trends and enhance the quality of practical cooperation between the two nations.

The symposium gathered experts from CASS, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of International Business and Economics, RAS, Ural Federal University, and Siberian Federal University.

Topics discussed included "New Changes in the Global Political and Economic Landscape and Their Impact on China and Russia", "Current Macroeconomic Situations and Challenges Facing China and Russia" and "China-Russia Practical Economic and Trade Cooperation".