On the afternoon of February 28, 2025, President Xi Jinping met with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping noted that China and Russia are good neighbors linked by geography and above all a time-tested ironclad friendship. Xi Jinping said he and President Vladimir Putin have communicated twice this year, making overarching plans for the development of China-Russia relations and having in-depth exchanges on a series of major international and regional issues. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In such a year of special historical significance, China-Russia relations will have a substantial agenda. He said the two sides should maintain close communication at all levels to fully implement the common understandings reached between President Vladimir Putin and him and carry forward the spirit of China-Russia relations for a new era, which is characterized by permanent good-neighborliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation for win-win results, further deepen strategic coordination and practical cooperation, and contribute to the common development and revitalization of the two countries. The two sides should continue to strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, give full play to the role of the BRICS countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and consolidate the general direction of solidarity and cooperation in the Global South.Sergei Shoigu conveyed President Vladimir Putin's cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping, saying that President Vladimir Putin highly values the sincere friendship and close contact with President Xi Jinping. Russia-China relations are at an unprecedented high level and do not target any third party. The Russia-China partnership plays a significant role in the world, setting a model for relations between major countries. Russia and China have always trusted each other and engaged in equal dialogue, and the strategic cooperation between the two countries serves the common interests of both sides. Russia will earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state and steadfastly strengthen cooperation with China. Russia highly appreciates China's continuous and active efforts to promote a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.Wang Yi attended the meeting.

In the afternoon of February 24, President Xi Jinping took a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin.President Xi recalled that during the virtual meeting with President Putin before the Spring Festival, we provided guidance for the growth of China-Russia relations in 2025 and coordinated position on many major international and regional issues. Our two countries' competent authorities have acted on our common understandings to steadily advance cooperation in various fields, including commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world's anti-fascist war. Both history and reality tell us that China and Russia are destined to be good neighbors, and our two countries are true friends that share weal and woe, support each other and pursue common development. Our bilateral relationship has a strong internal driving force and unique strategic value. It is neither targeted at any third party nor affected by any third party. Both countries have long-term development strategies and foreign policies. No matter how the international landscape changes, our relationship shall move forward at its own pace, contribute to our countries’ respective development and revitalization, and inject stability and positivity into international relations.President Putin said that Russia attaches great importance to its relations with China. In the year ahead, the Russian side looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges with China, deepening practical cooperation, jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the world's anti-fascist war and in the Chinese people's war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a view to the long term; it is not an act of expediency, not affected by any temporary incidents, and not subject to interference by external factors. Under the current situation, close communication between Russia and China is in keeping with the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and will send a positive message that Russia and China play a stabilizing role in international affairs.President Putin provided an update on the latest interactions between Russia and the United States, and on Russia's principled position on the Ukraine crisis. He said that Russia is committed to removing the root causes of the conflict and reaching a sustainable and long-term peace plan.President Xi noted that soon after the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis, I had outlined China's basic position, including four points about what must be done to address the crisis. Last September, China and Brazil, together with other Global South countries, launched the group of Friends for Peace to foster the atmosphere and condition for the political settlement of the crisis. China welcomes positive efforts made by Russia and relevant parties to resolve the crisis.The two sides agreed to maintain communication and coordination in various ways.

On February 15, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a message to the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, extending warm congratulations to African countries and people.Xi Jinping noted that in the face of the current international situation characterized by changes and turbulence, the Global South, represented by China and Africa, has grown significantly. Over the past year, the AU has united and led African countries in vigorously advancing integration, actively responding to regional and global challenges, and speaking in unison as the "voice of Africa", thereby continuously enhancing Africa's international status and influence. He sincerely wishes African countries and people continuous, new and greater success on the path of independence, development and revitalization.Xi Jinping stressed that the year 2024 saw vigorous development of China-Africa relations. With the successful Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China and Africa have embarked on a new stage of jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era, and stayed at the forefront of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He expressed readiness to work with African leaders to promote the implementation of the six propositions and ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization, so as to bring more tangible results to benefit over 2.8 billion Chinese and African people.

On February 10, 2025, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba over the passing of Namibia's founding President Sam Nujoma. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi Jinping expressed deep condolences over the passing of former President Sam Nujoma, and extended sincere sympathy to the family of former President Sam Nujoma, as well as to the Namibian government and people.Xi Jinping noted that former President Sam Nujoma was a statesman and revolutionary of the older generation in Africa who made historic contributions in leading the Namibian people in their pursuit and realization of national independence and liberation, as well as in the efforts to explore a development path suited to the country's conditions. During his lifetime, he remained firmly committed to friendship with China and actively promoted traditional China-Namibia friendship and China-Africa friendship and cooperation. His passing is a tremendous loss for the people of Namibia, and the Chinese people have also lost an old and dear friend. The Chinese government and people deeply cherish the traditional friendship between China and Namibia. Xi Jinping expressed the belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, China and Namibia will achieve even greater progress in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

On the afternoon of February 7, 2025, President Xi Jinping met in Harbin with President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach, who is in China for the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, China successfully delivered the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, the Chengdu FISU World University Games and the Hangzhou Asian Games, and the Asian Winter Games will open in Harbin tonight. These major sports events have demonstrated the close cooperation between China and the IOC. The Olympic spirit is an important part of human civilization, and highly consistent with China's goal of building itself into a great modern socialist country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization and its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. China will integrate the Olympic spirit with the fine traditional Chinese culture, vigorously develop its sports sector, and move toward the goal of building itself into a country strong in sports and health, which will continuously make new contributions to the cause of international sports. We will continue working with the IOC to promote the robust development of the Olympic Movement.Thomas Bach thanked China for its strong support for the IOC over the years. China successfully hosted the splendid and memorable Beijing Olympic Winter Games and other major events, making significant contributions to the international Olympic cause. China advocates and practices the concepts of solidarity, cooperation, equality and respect, upholds multilateralism, opposes the politicization of sports, and supports the broad participation of developing countries in international sports, vigorously driving the healthy development of the Olympic Movement. Thomas Bach expressed his confidence that China will continue to play a bigger role in the cause of world peace, development and progress with its greater development achievements and that the Asian Winter Games in Harbin will be a complete success.Cai Qi, Wang Yi and Shen Yiqin were present at the meeting.

On the evening of February 7, 2025, as the dream of winter shone brightly with ice and snow, a magnificent chapter was written demonstrating love among Asia. The Ninth Asian Winter Games kicked off in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province with a grand opening ceremony. President Xi Jinping attended it and declared the Asian Winter Games open.Cai Qi and leaders and dignitaries from across Asia attended the opening ceremony.In the dark sky at night, the Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Sports Center was ablaze with dazzling lights. Before the opening ceremony, people from all over Heilongjiang Province presented performances with local characteristics that passionately illuminated the ambiance on the site.At 7:58 p.m., amid the music of "Peace – a Community with a Shared Future", Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, together with President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Timothy Tsun Ting Fok, among others, stepped onto the podium and waved to the audience, which erupted in prolonged warm applause.Accompanied by the touching melody of "I Love You, China", eight honor guards walked into the venue with vigorous steps, escorting the national flag of the People's Republic of China (PRC). All the audience stood up and sang the national anthem of the PRC loudly, as the bright Five-Starred Red Flag rose slowly.On the big screen, a short video "Glazed Moments" was played, featuring children dressed in festive New Year attire holding ice lanterns, illuminating the iconic landmark of Harbin. The welcoming performance "Ice Lanterns Ignite Dreams" followed, with spinning ice crystal handkerchief flowers symbolizing the host's warm hospitality to guests from all corners of the world.The entry ceremony of athletes kicked off at 8:08 p.m. Amidst the joyful melody of "Asia of Ice and Snow", the sports delegations from 34 countries and regions entered the venue one after another and received a heartfelt welcome from the audience. The sports delegation of China as the host country entered last amidst the stirring melody of "Ode to the Motherland". Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan stood up and waved, and the stadium was filled with cheers and applause. The Chinese delegation consists of 257 members, including 170 athletes to compete in 64 events of 6 sports at this Asian Winter Games.In her speech, President of the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organizing Committee and Governor of Heilongjiang Province Liang Huiling, on behalf of the organizing committee and the over 30 million people in Heilongjiang, extended warm welcome to athletes from different countries and regions across Asia, and wished them success in breaking personal records, showcasing their talents, realizing their dreams, and forging friendships on the field.President of the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organizing Committee and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) Gao Zhidan said in his speech, "Thanks to the cordial care and firm leadership of President Xi Jinping, a magnificent Asian Winter Games will open soon. Let us fully embrace the vibrant manifestations of Chinese modernization, join hands to paint a splendid picture of new glories in Asian sports, and jointly compose a spectacular symphony for the Asian community with a shared future."In his speech, OCA Vice President Timothy Tsun Ting Fok affirmed China's significant role in the development of winter sports in Asia. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, the COC, the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province, the Harbin Municipal People's Government, and the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organizing Committee for their meticulous preparations and collaboration. He also praised athletes, audience, and staff for their support, and lauded Harbin as the "Dream City of Ice and Snow".The opening ceremony reached its climax at 8:51 p.m. when President Xi Jinping declared the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin open! Upon this, the audience erupted in cheers and applause, and the sky was lit up with glamorous fireworks.Six excellent representatives of Chinese athletes entered, holding the flag of the OCA. Amid the anthem of the OCA, the flag rose slowly and fluttered high alongside the Chinese Five-Starred Red Flag.Athletes Ning Zhongyan and Cai Xuetong, and referees Zhang Chunhui and Chen Wenhong took the oath respectively on behalf of all participating athletes and referees.Subsequently, a short video "A Dynamic Winter" turned the attention of all the audience to the big screen: the people of Harbin, who revel in the joys of ice and snow, showcased the urban fervor of the "City Hosting Two Asian Winter Games".Then the gala performance began, comprising three chapters. Chapter One, "Blazing Ice and Snow", began with the resounding shout of ice harvesters. With tools in hand, they dance upon ice with strength and grace. The first block of ice breaks free from the Songhua River, adorned with flowing crimson silk that soars like a fiery ribbon through the winter air, illuminating the Asian Winter Games' emblem of "Surpass". In this frozen wonderland, ballet dancers glide with ethereal poise, weaving a glorious tapestry where nature meets culture. In Chapter Two, "Passion in Motion", athletes soar across the arena with breathtaking grace, igniting the passion of ice and snow. Joyful crowds dance and the lovable "Snowman" makes a delightful appearance, adding to a marvelous carnival across the Ice City of Harbin. In Chapter Three, "Everlasting Friendship", dancers adorned in the distinctive attire of Asian countries and regions move with graceful elegance, showcasing the rich diversity of Asia and the spirit of unity in diversity. A unique "Balcony Concert" unfolds from the stage to the audience. Soaring notes strike the chords of a shared future, stirring the hearts of Asia in perfect harmony.At 9:24 p.m., the lighting ceremony of the cauldron began. The big screen linked live to the sub-venue, Harbin Ice and Snow World, where torchbearers Yang Yang, Han Xiaopeng, Wang Zhen, and Zhang Hong passed the flame in a relay, earning a thunderous round of applause from the audience. The torchbearers, joined by children holding ice lanterns, lit the lilac-shaped cauldron, and the sacred flame of the Asian Winter Games blazed brightly.All the audience sang the official song "Light up Asia", turning the entire stadium into a sea of joy.The international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony included Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and his wife Aigul Japarova, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik and his wife Shin Kyung-hye.Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong and Shen Yiqin attended the opening ceremony.The opening ceremony was also attended by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka Chiu and the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region Sam Hou Fai.The opening ceremony was also attended by OCA officials, among others.

On the afternoon of February 7, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Sun Island Hotel in Harbin with Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Woo Won-shik, who is in China for the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.Xi Jinping noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations over 30 years ago, China and the ROK have continuously developed their relations and boosted bilateral cooperation, contributing to regional peace and development. China's policy toward the ROK remains stable. As uncertainties are rising in the international and regional landscapes, it is important for China and the ROK to work together to consolidate and grow their strategic cooperative partnership. Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 80th anniversary of ROK's liberation, Xi Jinping said both sides should organize well the commemorative activities. The two sides should deepen mutually integrated beneficial economic and trade relations, which is in the common interests of the people of both countries. Both sides should increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges to strengthen the friendship between the two peoples. He also called on the two sides to support each other in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year and next year respectively.Woo Won-shik said that the ROK-China cooperation has played an important role in their respective development. He said the friendship with China is one of the core elements of the ROK's foreign policy and will remain unchanged. The ROK is willing to work with China to elevate bilateral relations to a new level in the new year. He expressed the hope that the two countries will strengthen economic and trade cooperation, ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains, expand personnel exchanges and enhance friendship. He called on the two sides to jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and support each other in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year and next year respectively.Wang Yi attended the meeting.

At noon on February 7, 2025, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a banquet at the Sun Island Hotel in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province to welcome international dignitaries who are in China to attend the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games Harbin.They are Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov and his wife Aigul Japarova, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik and his wife Shin Kyung-hye as well as President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia Timothy Tsun Ting Fok, and others.Harbin, the "Ice City", is adorned in silver and white during the Spring Festival, and the snow promises a fruitful year.Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan exchanged New Year greetings with the distinguished guests, shook hands warmly, and posed for a group photo.Forty children dressed in traditional Chinese and foreign ethnic costumes sang the beautiful Heilongjiang folk song "The Wusuli River Boat Song" to warmly welcome the international dignitaries.Inside the banquet hall, the dazzling event for winter sports intertwined with the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year, creating a festive and harmonious mood.Xi Jinping delivered remarks and extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese government and people to international dignitaries who are in China to attend the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.Xi Jinping pointed out that the cauldron of the Ninth Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. From the Olympic Winter Games Beijing to the Asian Winter Games Harbin, the passion in China for ice and snow has swept across the nation. It has also invigorated winter sports around the world. The current Asian Winter Games sets a new record in its history in the numbers of participating countries, regions and athletes. Xi Jinping expressed the belief that with the joint efforts of the Olympic Council of Asia and delegations from all participating countries and regions, Harbin will present to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular, thus writing a new, magnificent chapter of ice and snow sports.Xi Jinping stressed that the theme of the Ninth Asian Winter Games - "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia" - embodies the shared aspiration and desire of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship. The Asian countries should uphold the shared dream for tranquility and harmony, and contribute Asian strength to building an equal and orderly multipolar world. The Asian countries should pursue the shared aspiration for prosperity and development, and provide sustained drive for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. The Asian countries should fulfill the shared desire for friendship and affinity, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization.Xi Jinping noted that Harbin is the birthplace of China's modern winter sports. Ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver. The ice and snow culture and economy are becoming a new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world. Everyone is welcome to explore this hospitable, open and inclusive land of black soil, and to trace the path of Chinese modernization. May everyone have beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow in Harbin. He wishes all athletes excellent performance with the agility of the snake in the Year of the Snake.Cai Qi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, and Shen Yiqin, among others, attended the event.Before the start of the welcoming banquet, the distinguished guests enjoyed a display showcasing the intangible cultural heritage of Heilongjiang.

On February 7, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia 45 years ago, the two sides have pushed forward the continuous development of bilateral relations based on the principle of equality and mutual respect. In October 2023, President Gustavo Petro paid a successful state visit to China, during which the two heads of state held fruitful talks and jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, ushering China-Colombia relations into a new era. Colombia is an important country in Latin America and will assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States this year. Xi Jinping said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Colombia relations and is ready to work with President Gustavo Petro to push for in-depth and substantive progress in the China-Colombia strategic partnership and jointly build a community with a shared future between China and Latin American and Caribbean states.Gustavo Petro said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Colombia and China have achieved fruitful results in the development of bilateral relations, which has benefited the two peoples. Frequent high-level visits between the two countries have strongly boosted bilateral cooperation in various fields and fostered closer bonds between the two peoples. After taking office as President, Gustavo Petro paid a state visit to China, and bilateral relations have been continuously strengthened with the continuous growth of trade and investment. The Colombian side is willing to work with China to jointly promote world peace, energy transition, climate change response and other global agendas of mutual interest and concern.

Harbin, February 7, 2025Distinguished Colleagues,Your Excellency IOC President Thomas Bach,Your Excellency OCA Vice President Timothy Tsun Ting Fok,Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,As the Chinese people celebrate the Spring Festival, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and also in the name of my wife and myself, a warm welcome and festive greetings to all the distinguished guests!The cauldron of the Ninth Asian Winter Games will be lit tonight. From the Olympic Winter Games Beijing to the Asian Winter Games Harbin, the passion in China for ice and snow has swept across the nation. It has also invigorated winter sports around the world. The current Asian Winter Games sets a new record in its history in the numbers of participating countries, regions and athletes. I believe that with the joint efforts of the Olympic Council of Asia and delegations from all participating countries and regions, Harbin will present to the world a great sports event that is distinctly Chinese, uniquely Asian and spectacular, thus writing a new, magnificent chapter of ice and snow sports.The theme of the Ninth Asian Winter Games—"Dream of Winter, Love among Asia"—embodies the shared aspiration and desire of the Asian people for peace, development and friendship.We should uphold our shared dream for tranquility and harmony. Peace is as pure as ice and snow. No matter how the international landscape evolves, we should join hands together to meet all kinds of security challenges and contribute Asian strength to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.We should pursue our shared aspiration for prosperity and development. Winter sports are fascinating because they require passion and collaboration. We should work together to promote progress and development, and provide sustained drive for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.We should fulfill our shared desire for friendship and affinity. Every snowflake is unique, and every civilization is distinctive. Asia is a convergence of the world’s diverse civilizations. We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning, and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilization.Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends,Harbin, the renowned "Ice City," is the birthplace of China's modern winter sports. We feel truly in here that ice and snow are as valuable as gold and silver. The ice and snow culture and economy are becoming a new driving force for the high-quality development of Harbin and a new bond linking the city and the world. We welcome you to explore this hospitable, open and inclusive land of black soil, and to trace the path of Chinese modernization.China has just entered the Year of the Snake. Among the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, the snake represents wisdom and agility. The Year of the Snake will surely brim with vigor and vitality. I wish all athletes excellent performance with the agility of the snake. May you all have beautiful and unforgettable memories of ice and snow in Harbin.Now, I would like to propose a toast:To the great success of the Ninth Asian Winter Games;To the dynamic development of the Olympic Movement;To the solidarity and friendship of the Asian people; andTo the health of all the distinguished guests and your families.Cheers!