“China–Armenia relations embark on a new historical stage” — Article by Ambas

Article by Li Xinwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Armenia

Today marks the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Armenia. On April 6, 1992, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new era of friendly engagement. On August 31, 2025, the parties established a strategic partnership, outlining new benchmarks for mutually beneficial cooperation. At this new historical stage, bilateral relations have broad prospects for development and great potential.

Over the past year, friendly relations between China and Armenia have achieved significant results.

Mutual trust has deepened further, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. China and Armenia treat each other with respect and cooperate on the basis of equality, providing mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. The Armenian side firmly adheres to the “One China” principle, while the Chinese side resolutely supports Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders.

Over the past year, high-level contacts have been intensive, and dialogue and cooperation at various levels have continued to develop actively. Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan visited China to participate in the “SCO+” format meeting, as well as events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

During the visit, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, and the parties jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, which became a new milestone in the development of bilateral relations.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Su Hui visited Armenia and held meetings with President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, President of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan, and Vice President of the National Assembly Hakob Arshakyan.

The Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Economy, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, and other officials of Armenia visited China. In turn, delegations from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Seismological Administration, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences visited Armenia, giving new impetus to the development of bilateral relations.

Sincere cooperation and practical results benefit the peoples. China is Armenia’s second-largest trading partner. In 2025, bilateral trade volume exceeded 2.2 billion US dollars, increasing by 24.5% compared to the previous year.

Thanks to its strong price-quality ratio, powerful supply chain capabilities, and continuously growing technological components, Chinese high-tech industrial products—mobile phones, computers, and new energy vehicles—are actively entering the daily lives of Armenia’s population. Well-known Chinese automobile brands such as Hongqi, NIO, and Changan are opening and developing their representative offices here.

China’s major exhibitions, including the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair, the China International Fair for Trade in Services, and the China International Consumer Products Expo, provide Armenian brands and high-quality products with platforms to enter the Chinese market.

Joint key projects are progressing steadily and consistently: the construction project of the new studio of Armenia’s Public Television, implemented with the support of the Chinese government, is proceeding according to plan; sections of the “North–South” highway built by a Chinese company have been commissioned; solar power plants have been put into operation.

Armenia has officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the fields of infrastructure and investment.

People-to-people ties and mutual understanding are deepening, and humanitarian exchanges are becoming more active. In recent years, the Chinese language has continued to gain popularity in Armenia: the number of students at the Confucius Institute affiliated with Brusov State University is steadily increasing, and two additional teaching centers are planned to open in 2026. The “Chinese Bridge” competition, as well as exhibitions dedicated to study and work opportunities in China, attract wide attention and are highly appreciated by Armenian society.

The Aram Khachaturian International Competition has been held in China, and the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra has toured in China. Public organizations of the two countries organize mutual exhibitions of cultural values, art festivals, and scientific conferences, forming a rich landscape of cultural events and strengthening the social foundation of friendship between China and Armenia.

Direct flights between the two countries continue to operate successfully, and the positive impact of the visa-free regime is becoming more visible. In 2025, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Armenia exceeded 45,000, increasing by 37.1% compared to the previous year.

The year 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Recently, the 4th session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the 4th session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference were successfully held, during which the “Government Work Report” and the 15th Five-Year Plan were discussed and approved, defining China’s strategic development guidelines and providing clarity and positive energy for global development.

In accordance with the key decisions of the “Two Sessions,” the Chinese side plans to ensure annual economic growth of 4.5–5%, focusing on the development of the domestic market, the formation of new drivers of economic growth, ensuring technological independence and self-reliance in high-tech sectors, deepening reforms, integrating urban and rural development, improving living standards, and advancing environmentally sustainable transformation.

China intends to leverage its vast markets, modern industrial system, and innovative achievements in green development for the benefit of the entire world.

China intends to further expand high-level openness and cooperation, promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, steadily advance high-quality joint construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative, and provide other countries with a broad and diverse “list of opportunities.”

China firmly supports the international system centered on the United Nations, the international order based on international law, and the multilateral trading system based on the World Trade Organization. China will continue to promote the idea of building a community with a shared future for mankind, accelerate the implementation of four global initiatives, and encourage more countries to participate in the International Organization for Mediation. At the same time, China will continue to maintain its role as one of the world’s major forces for peace, contributing to global stability and justice.

Armenia is a long-standing friend of China, dating back to the time of the Great Silk Road, and in the new era, a reliable strategic partner. The Chinese side sincerely welcomes Armenia’s aspiration to move forward together with China and fully benefit from emerging opportunities. China is ready to work with Armenia to implement the important agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries, continuously deepen political coordination, enrich the substance of bilateral relations, and contribute to the growing well-being of the two peoples.

In the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese calendar, let us work together to promote cooperation in all fields, “firmly hold the reins and confidently gallop forward,” act boldly and energetically, hand in hand, opening a brighter future for China–Armenia relations and creating a new era of peace, development, and mutually beneficial cooperation.