The China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation has contributed to bilateral ties and global stability, and its extension conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and provides guidance and impetus for the long-term growth of bilateral relations, according to Russian officials and experts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday via video link. The leaders issued a joint statement, officially announcing the extension of the China-Russia treaty.
Commenting on the talks between the two heads of state, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the video link “reflects the special and trusting nature of the relations between our two countries.”
Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Russian State Duma or the lower house of the parliament, pointed out how Russia-China ties were fundamental to maintaining global stability and tackling international challenges through an approach that takes into account the interests of each country.
He added that the partnership between the two countries demonstrates how relations are built on honesty and appreciation of both sides’ national interests and development.
Alexei Mukhin, director general of Russian think tank the Center for Political Information, told Xinhua that for the general public, the talks demonstrated that even during difficult times, Russia and China have managed to maintain a balanced relationship.
“Russia and China have a long history of good relations,” he said, adding that “it is obvious that we have much more in common with China now than with our Western partners,” he said.
Commenting on the extension of the treaty, Sergei Luzyanin, professor at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, said it evolves in accordance with emerging challenges and threats, and it is by no means static.
“The treaty is very necessary and important for both sides, it looks to the future and ensures strategic stability and security for our countries in this complex world,” he said.
Andrey Karneev, professor and head of the School of Asian Studies at Russia’s Higher School of Economics, observed that the treaty fostered deeper Russian-Chinese cooperation on a wide range of both international, bilateral and regional issues.
“Relations have come a long way in these 20 years,” Karneev told Xinhua, adding that the partnership was initially based on a certain outline for cooperation and eventually reached a mature state.
“Figures showing trade and economic interaction reflect this, and figures on the bilateral exchange too. This is largely due to the role of this treaty,” he added.
Yevgeny Zaitsev, head of the Center for Russian-Chinese Studies at Russia’s Lomonosov Moscow State University, said that the treaty has contributed to global development and remains relevant.
“All the main provisions laid down in the treaty have fully retained their relevance and positive effect not only for Russian-Chinese relations but also for the world community as a whole,” Zaitsev told Xinhua.
