Hot Interpretation｜In Kazan, why did President Xi mention this “Ten Thousand Miles Tea Road” again-

On October 22, President Xi Jinping held his third meeting of the year with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Kazan, Russia. During their discussions, President Xi brought attention to the ancient trade route known as the “Tea Road.”

This historic path, rich with the aroma of tea and tales of the past, emerged around 400 years ago as demand for tea in Russia surged and trade flourished between the two nations. Chinese merchants capitalized on this opportunity, creating a trade route that stretched over 13,000 kilometers from Wuyi Mountain in China to St. Petersburg in Russia. This is the “Tea Road” that President Xi mentioned.

The journey of tea from China’s fields to Russian markets takes about a year. Due to the dry climate in northern China, which is conducive to preserving tea, the overland shipping via the “Tea Road” ensures better quality than maritime routes, making it a favorite among consumers.

With the rise of tea-drinking customs, it became common in the 18th century for Russians to greet guests with tea. The prominent poet and writer Alexander Pushkin beautifully described this in his long poem, highlighting the warmth of the tea atmosphere: “As darkness falls, the teapot glimmers, sizzling on the table, steaming with tea in the porcelain pot; thin mist wafts around.”

As the “Tea Road” revival began, some Russian entrepreneurs set off from Kazan to engage in tea trading and establish factories in China. This ancient route not only facilitated the movement of people and information but also fostered cultural exchange and prosperity in the cities along its path.

President Xi, during his visit to Russia in March 2013, emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening the friendship between the two nations, calling the “Tea Road” a “century artery” linking China and Russia.

As initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative gained traction, the “Tea Road” found new vitality after a century of dormancy. It now boasts modern highways, railways, and air transport networks, with a significant influx of Chinese tea being exported to Russia.

Furthermore, the historical and cultural significance of this legendary route is continuously being rediscovered. In September 2013, China, Mongolia, and Russia signed a joint initiative to apply for UNESCO World Heritage status for the “Tea Road,” marking a significant step in this cultural preservation effort. By 2019, the route was officially included in China’s preliminary list for World Heritage sites.

Sergei Karashnikov, President of the Russian International Cooperation Association, remarked, “For centuries, the ‘Tea Road’ has served as a bridge connecting China, Russia, and Europe, and it continues to play a unique role in fostering grassroots friendships.”

Cultural exchanges between China and Russia have flourished, with festivities like the grand Spring Festival celebrations in Moscow and the Russian “Maslenitsa” celebrated in various Chinese cities. From the revival of Russian theater performances in China to the enchanting shows of Chinese dance poetry in Russia, hundreds of cultural activities are now bridging the two nations, enriching their cultural lives and fostering mutual understanding.

Spanning millennia and thousands of miles, the “Tea Road” has nurtured generations, promoting the concept of harmony amidst diversity among the nations it connects, and continues to present new opportunities for cooperation between China and Russia.

As President Xi stated during this recent meeting, both sides are committed to maintaining a spirit of lasting friendship, comprehensive strategic collaboration, and mutually beneficial cooperation, continuously deepening and expanding their partnership in various fields to inject strong momentum into the development and modernization of both nations.