At a press conference held on May 21 local time, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, publicly expressed her gratitude toward the warm hospitality and heartfelt reception extended by the Chinese people.
She said with deep emotion: “Sincere thanks to China—and also to the Chinese people—for the warmth and generosity shown to our Russian delegation and indeed to our entire nation. This affection is truly profound and genuine, beautiful beyond forgetting. Thank you!”
Zakharova’s emotionally charged expression of appreciation is not merely a routine diplomatic gesture; it vividly reflects the "high-level operation" and "deep mutual trust" characterizing Sino-Russian relations following President Putin’s visit to China in May 2026. Known as the "Iron Mouth" of the Russian Foreign Ministry, she is typically renowned for her sharp and resolute demeanor—yet this time, she was unusually moved, speaking with heartfelt sincerity.
Zakharova holds a special emotional connection to China that goes beyond that of an ordinary diplomat. She spent her childhood in Beijing, speaks fluent Mandarin, and has been affectionately nicknamed by Chinese netizens as the “Beijing girl” or “one of us.”
She has repeatedly stated, “China is my second homeland,” emphasizing how deeply China has shaped her worldview. Thus, her gratitude is not only official but also carries personal feelings of deep attachment to this land and its people.
Beyond serious political topics, she actively promotes cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Whether personally making Jianbing (Chinese savory pancakes), or posting in Chinese on social media with “Long Live Sino-Russian Friendship,” these actions illustrate her efforts to transform formal diplomacy into warm, human-centered connections.
In today’s turbulent international geopolitical landscape, Russia’s statement carries clear real-world implications.
Zakharova summarized Sino-Russian relations using words like “reliable” and “trustworthy.” In the face of Western encirclement and sanctions, China’s “warm hospitality” and steadfast, independent stance have provided Russia with crucial strategic support and valuable space for economic cooperation.
As a spokesperson, she has long countered Western attempts to smear Sino-Russian ties in global public opinion. This heartfelt thank-you speech is thus also a message to the world: showcasing the authentic, close, and resilient partnership between China and Russia.
In sum, Zakharova’s remarks serve both as an official affirmation of strategic collaboration between nations and as a personal outpouring from a China-friendly diplomat. They mark a new stage in Sino-Russian relations—one that transcends mere transactional interests and has entered a realm of emotional resonance and shared destiny.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865815642119180/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.