Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have provided insights into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit to China, marking a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
On Friday, Liu Bin, Director General of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, described the discussions between President Xi Jinping and President Putin as “frank, friendly, and informative.” The leaders charted a blueprint for future development, emphasizing cooperation in various fields from a new starting point.
During the visit, the two presidents signed a joint statement aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era. They witnessed the signing of over ten key cooperation documents, reinforcing economic and trade ties and injecting new momentum into their bilateral relationship. President Putin also participated in the eighth China-Russia Expo in Harbin, highlighting the growing economic synergy between the two countries.
Five Guiding Principles Shaping Future Relations
An essential highlight of the visit was President Xi’s introduction of five guiding principles for China-Russia relations: mutual respect, win-win cooperation, lasting friendship, strategic coordination, and fairness and justice. These principles not only encapsulate the historical experience of their relations but also reflect a precise understanding of the current international landscape and the stage of their bilateral relationship.
Mutual Respect and Support
Mutual respect stands as the fundamental principle, with both nations supporting each other’s core interests and respecting each other’s development paths. They are committed to non-alliance, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party, aiming to deepen political trust and realize mutual development and revitalization.
Win-Win Cooperation
The principle of win-win cooperation is exemplified by significant growth in bilateral trade, which exceeded $240 billion last year—nearly 2.7 times the figure from a decade ago. The two sides plan to continue enhancing cooperation in traditional sectors such as economy and trade, energy, and agriculture, while also exploring new opportunities in artificial intelligence, high-tech, and basic research.
Lasting Friendship
Lasting friendship forms the foundation of their relationship, with both countries promoting cultural exchanges that resonate with their peoples and encouraging interactions across various sectors and at subnational levels.
Strategic Coordination
Strategic coordination serves as an underpinning, steering global governance in a positive direction. With Russia chairing BRICS this year and China set to chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organization later this year, both nations will support each other’s leadership roles, aiming to build a high-quality partnership and strengthen unity within the Global South.
Fairness and Justice
Fairness and justice remain a shared purpose, with both countries dedicated to the political settlement of global hotspots. They agree on the importance of resolving the question of Palestine based on the two-state solution and believe that a political settlement is the right approach to the Ukraine crisis. China pledged to continue promoting peace talks and to play a constructive role alongside the international community.
The state visit by President Putin to China signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations, setting a strategic course for future cooperation. The reaffirmation of shared principles and commitments highlights their pivotal role in global affairs and their dedication to mutual growth and stability.
Reference(s):
Chinese Foreign Ministry briefs media on Putin's state visit to China
cgtn.com
