Portrait of Hu Jintao
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Hu Jintao on Vladimir Putin

Strategic partner advocate (strong)

TL;DR

Hu Jintao consistently viewed Putin as a key partner whose leadership was vital for deepening the China-Russia strategic cooperative relationship.

Key Points

  • In December 2002, Putin congratulated Hu Jintao on his election as General-Secretary of the CCP, expressing confidence that relations would remain strong and reliable.

  • Following talks in July 2005, Hu and Putin signed a joint statement stressing their commitment to building a new international order and serving as constructive forces for world peace.

  • During a 2010 meeting, Hu stressed strengthening all-round strategic cooperation with Putin to safeguard common interests and bolster anti-terrorism efforts against the "Three Forces."

Summary

Hu Jintao, during his tenure as paramount leader, held a strongly positive and strategic view of Vladimir Putin, frequently meeting to affirm and advance the China-Russia relationship. A key moment was their joint signing of the Joint Statement on the International Order of the 21st Century in July 2005, which demonstrated a broad unity of opinions on major international issues and the importance of their bilateral ties to a secure world system. Hu emphasized a commitment to deepening the good-neighborliness and friendship established previously, aiming to expand cooperation across politics, economics, and military affairs.

This constructive relationship was underpinned by a shared commitment to safeguard historical truths, such as the victory in World War II, and to coordinate on global affairs, including combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Hu stressed that their partnership, formalized as a strategic partnership of coordination, was not subject to change based on personnel shifts, as it served the fundamental interests of both states. His decision to make Russia his first overseas trip as President underscored the priority he placed on the relationship with Putin.

Key Quotes

...in the past few days, the terrorist event that took place in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia has inflicted heavy casualties including many children. The Chinese government and myself are greatly shocked by this event and strongly condemn this cold-blooded terrorist act of violence.

China and Russia should strengthen communication and coordination to firmly safeguard the truthfulness and seriousness of history, Hu said, adding that China would like to work together with Russia to hold a series of events to mark the 65th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hu Jintao held a very positive and strategic view of Vladimir Putin, seeing him as an essential counterpart for advancing the bilateral partnership. The Chinese leader consistently emphasized the mutual benefit and historical importance of their relationship. This positive outlook was demonstrated through high-level meetings and joint declarations that stressed strategic coordination on global issues, according to official records from 2002 to 2010.

No, Hu Jintao explicitly stated that the development of Sino-Russian relations was not subject to change based on personnel shifts. He asserted that the policy of strategic interaction meets the best interests of both states and corresponds to the exigencies of the times. This commitment was reaffirmed during joint press conferences, indicating institutional support beyond individual leaders.

Hu Jintao focused on deepening the strategic cooperative partnership across multiple fields with Putin. Key areas included strengthening political trust, expanding military exchanges, and boosting economic and trade cooperation, particularly in energy resources. The leaders also coordinated stances on major international and regional security matters, such as combating terrorism and separatism.

Sources7

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.