China's 43-year transformation is a feat with few parallels in world history, and the country is advancing into high‑tech industries while preserving its traditions, Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said in Beijing.
He made the comments in a recent interview with China Media Group (CMG) as the two countries mark 25 years of the signing of China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
China and Russia signed the treaty on July 16, 2001. Over the past quarter century, they have upheld its principles of non‑alliance, non‑confrontation, and not targeting any third party. The two sides have treated each other as equals, shown mutual respect, honored commitments, and pursued mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to international fairness and stability amid global changes unseen in a century.
In May 2026, the two countries jointly announced an extension of the treaty. Morgulov, who has served as Russia's ambassador to China since September 2022, said he has been privileged to witness China's rapid development, noting that the country has achieved tremendous progress while preserving its traditional culture.
"And indeed, I've had the opportunity to observe China's development for more than 40 years, 43 years, to be exact. And of course, comparing Beijing in 1983 to Beijing today, it's fair to say that tremendous changes have taken place. I suppose that's an understatement. I think that in world history, there aren't actually that many examples of such explosive, rapid development, if any at all, within the span of a single generation. What particularly impresses me is that you continue to develop even after having already reached a certain level. Today, China is the world's second-largest economy. Nevertheless, you continue to develop very actively. You are not resting on your laurels. Moreover, you are directing your development toward the most advanced industries and taking leading positions in these fields worldwide. But what else impresses me greatly? It is the fact that my Chinese friends remain true to themselves, true to their traditions, their history, and their culture and do not lose their own identity. Therefore, if you were to ask me how I see China, this is how I see China," he said.
China’s unprecedented development hailed by Russian ambassador
