Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin on Monday returns to the Kremlin, starting his third term as the country's top leader.

Although some in the West may try to belittle Putin's success in the March presidential election, the Russian leader's victory largely reflects the will of a majority of the Russian people.

Riding a wave of popularity for his no-nonsense incorruptible image, Putin took over the presidency in 2000 when the country was still in a critical transitional period.

He was re-elected four years later thanks to a steady economic growth and the improvement of Russian's living standards that he had achieved during his first term.

Despite protests at the 2012 presidential election, most of the Russians have reached the consensus that "the country needs Putin."

China, as a neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of Russia, has enormous interest in seeing a stable, strong and prosperous Russia emerging under the fresh presidency of Putin.

From a regional perspective, the two countries, both as members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, have joined hands in promoting regional stability and integration.

On the world stage, China and Russia have maintained effective coordination on international issues, ranging from efforts to end the Syrian crisis to negotiations to break the Iranian nuclear impasse.

More importantly, China and Russia share the common goal of a multi-polar world where no single hegemony can dictate the whole international community.

They have also been pushing jointly for reforming the international monetary system and improving global economic governance.

Putin has shown the world that he values the strategic relations between Russia and China and will carry on the Kremlin's existing China policy to make sure the strategic cooperation and partnership between the two sides will roll on.

Nonetheless, Putin, who carries the hope of a nation eager for social reform, is facing a rough road ahead.

There are tons of work for the new Russian government to do as the country tries to diversify its economy, spur innovation and stem the vicious trend of low birth rates.

But these are not challenges that cannot be surmounted. With a strong economy and a competitive technology sector, Russia is simply more likely to achieve its national development targets under Putin.

Now, it is time for the Russian people to rally behind the new government, and they have the best wishes from their Chinese friends.