Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing saw Russian President Vladimir Putin off, with the high-level reception accorded by China reflecting its strong emphasis on relations with Russia.

The farewell protocol is also exceptionally high! Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing personally saw off President Putin! On May 20, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, after concluding his state visit to China, President Putin departed Beijing by private aircraft around 10:20 PM at Capital Airport. Foreign media noted that our Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing attended the farewell ceremony. Previously, when U.S. President Trump concluded his visit to China, it was our Foreign Minister Wang Yi who saw him off.

Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are both members of the Political Bureau, holding the rank of State-level vice leaders. However, in relative terms, the Vice Premier ranks higher within the State Council leadership team and carries heavier responsibilities; in the hierarchy of diplomatic reception protocols, the level of honor accorded is even greater. The fact that the State Council Vice Premier personally attended the farewell ceremony clearly demonstrates China's high regard for President Putin’s recent visit to China.

Assigning Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing to see off President Putin not only reflects the high level of courtesy but may also involve two other considerations. First, during President Putin’s visit, a series of cooperation documents were signed between China and Russia. Having the Vice Premier responsible for major national cooperative affairs personally bid farewell underscores the close ties between the two countries in practical areas such as economy, energy, and infrastructure, and also reflects our basic stance toward ensuring the implementation of future cooperation.

Second, when President Putin arrived in China, it was Foreign Minister Wang Yi who received him. During the entire visit, Wang Yi accompanied him throughout all meetings, state banquets, and every diplomatic event—this workload was substantial. Assigning another State-level official, Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing—who is also responsible for economic and trade affairs—to take over this role not only avoids any sense of neglect, but from an operational standpoint, it is more professional. Clearly, such an arrangement strikes a balance across all aspects and appears highly reasonable.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865751303265291/

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