Russian, Chinese experts stress closer bilateral ties amid global headwinds

Experts from Russia and China have stressed the importance of closer China-Russia ties especially at a time international landscape is undergoing significant changes. China-Russia relations have seen a significant upgrade following Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday in Beijing.

Commenting on the meeting's outcomes, Andrey Kortunov, a member of the Russian International Affairs Council, stressed the need for deeper dialogue between the two sides.

"I think that it is important to discuss the state of the bilateral relationship in view of the new situation in the world, you know, how the two sides can work even closer to each other than they do right now, how they can address common challenges and also capitalize on common opportunities," he said.

With a wide range of cooperation in trade, investment, energy, science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges, President Xi said at his meeting with Putin that bilateral ties have entered a new stage of greater achievements and faster development.

Addressing a turbulent international situation, President Xi said the two countries are upholding the spirit of equality, mutual respect, good faith, and win-win cooperation.

Li Yonghui, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, highlighted how the strategic posture of the relationship contributes to global and regional stability.

"Non-alliance and non-confrontation have placed the region and the world in a framework of mutual balance, stability, and development, rather than a framework of confrontation, division, or even a Cold War situation," said Li.

As two permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia view the strength of their ties as essential for global stability.

During Putin's visit, China and Russia issued a joint statement on advocating a multipolar world and new type of international relations. The two sides also reached 20 cooperation agreements in other fields.

Russian, Chinese experts stress closer bilateral ties amid global headwinds

Once confined to the Tibetan plateau as a humble staple, highland barley is now finding its place in China's modern food industry, thanks to the efforts of local young entrepreneurs.

Tashi Norbu, a workshop foreman at Xizang Keyan Agricultural Technology Co., has turned his passion for the crop into a thriving business.

Consulting farmers on harvests and signing contracts early in the season, he ensures steady supplies of the grain that has long sustained Tibetan families.

"I grew up eating tsampa, which is made from highland barley. We eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner," said Tashi Norbu.

Last year, the company which Tashi Norbu works for sold three million highland barley products, ranging from cookies to noodles. Spotting a business opportunity, he began visiting various planting bases early this year to sign contracts with farmers.

From the field to the workshop, the transformation of highland barley begins with its refinement through varied processes.

On the traditional water-mill production line, tsampa, butter, and milk residue blend seamlessly, transforming into highland barley cookies suited to modern times.

"I had never imagined before that our highland barley could be transformed into various distinctive products. Now, we can produce fermented foods, specialty noodles, and many other items," said Tashi Norbu.

These products, carrying the flavor of the plateau, are now reaching shelves in big eastern and southern Chinese cities such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, and even have appeared at international food exhibitions.

The company's head Xiaosuodun said that highland barley is not only a product but also a culture, whose flavor evoked home.

"Highland barley is not only a product but also a culture, and its flavor is the flavor of home. Seeking its flavor and promoting its culture will be my lifelong mission," said Xiaosuodun.

Highland barley finds place in China's modern food industry