Ianushauskas Stanislav, a PhD student from Russia at Wuhan University, central China's Hubei Province, has hailed China's "significant achievements" in green transformation after years of firsthand observation, saying Russia and China have vast potential for deeper environmental cooperation.

Speaking against the backdrop of the just-concluded 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), where environment and energy services were among this year's headline themes, the environmental law researcher said China's rapid development has increasingly embraced sustainability.

"Having lived in China for more than seven years, I've been deeply impressed by the speed of China's development. I've personally witnessed significant changes in infrastructure, technology, public transportation and urban life. At the same time, I've noticed that China is placing increasing importance on environmental protection and sustainable development, which is particularly closely related to my academic field," said Stanislav.

His research has taken him to visit places along the Yangtze River in Hubei Province, where he observed practical ecological governance measures, as well as China's large-scale rollout of renewable energy. The experience, he said, has shown him that effective bilateral cooperation must extend beyond government channels to include academic institutions, cities and young people.

"The opening of the Russian Consulate General in Wuhan is especially meaningful to me, as it demonstrates that China-Russia cooperation is continuously deepening at the regional level. I have realized that cooperation should not only take place between governments. Universities, research institutions, cities, enterprises and young people can all play important roles in promoting long-term China-Russia relations," said Stanislav.

With both nations endowed with vast territories and abundant natural resources, Stanislav sees particular promise in joint efforts on forest protection, water resource management and green technology -- areas that mirror the CIFTIS focus on low-carbon transition, the circular economy and advanced new materials.

"Both countries have vast territories and abundant natural resources, creating significant potential for cooperation in fields including forest protection, water resource management, renewable energy and environmental law. Such cooperation can create new opportunities for young people, researchers and enterprises while also improving environmental quality and enhancing people's daily lives," said Stanislav.

The five-day CIFTIS opened on Sept 9, drawing participants from 90 countries, regions and international organizations, with over 1,800 companies showcasing their service products on site.