Diplomatic relations between the countries were established on October 2, 1949. The Soviet Union was the first foreign state to announce recognition of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Modern Russian-Chinese relations are characterized by a high pace of development, a solid legal basis, an extensive organizational structure and active links across all levels and are officially defined by the parties as a comprehensive equal trusting partnership and strategic engagement.

The basic principles and areas of bilateral cooperation are reflected in the Treaty of Good Neighborhood, Friendship and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China of July 16, 2001.

Russia-China military technical cooperation has gone through two stages in its evolution. Military ties between the USSR and the PRC were established as early as 1949, but they were suspended in 1969 due to a cooling of Soviet-Chinese relations.

Between 1949 and 1969, China was supplied with a significant amount of weapons and military equipment, technical assistance in building and retrofitting military-industrial and military facilities was provided, and 650 licenses for the production of weapons and military equipment were transferred. In addition, thousands of Soviet specialists helped the Chinese military to master this hardware, while thousands of Chinese specialists were trained in the USSR.

Military-technical cooperation was resumed in 1990. It is carried out between Russia and China on the basis of agreements concluded by the governments of the two countries on various aspects of the cooperation. In addition, activities in this area are coordinated by the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Mixed Commission for Military-Technical Cooperation that meets alternately in Moscow and Beijing.

Multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation with China has been maintained since 1990. A lot of weapons and military equipment were supplied, including combat aircraft, helicopters and aircraft engines, air defense systems, warships, submarines, and ship systems.

Licenses for manufacturing some weapons for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and Ground Force were transferred to China. A lot of R&D projects on weapons and military equipment were carried out in the interests of all PLA’s services and branches. China was provided with technical assistance in building (retrofitting) military and industrial infrastructure. Chinese specialists were trained to operate and maintain the supplied weapons and military equipment. They were provided with services related to after-sales support of weapons and military equipment purchased by China.

Rosoboronexport is a regular exhibitor at Airshow China, Asia's largest international aerospace exhibition, held in Zhuhai since 1996.

Rostec State Corporation has a representative office in China that ensures Rosoboronexport’s interests.

Telephone: (+8610) 653-222-01, fax: (+8610) 653-201-33, e-mail: rep4326@rostec.ru