Emphasis on expanding China-Russia strategic cooperation on a global scale

Following yesterday’s talks between Chinese leader Xi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, a joint statement on strategic cooperation between the two countries was released.

In the statement, from the Far East to Europe, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, from Africa to Latin America, from the crisis in Ukraine to the North Korean nuclear program, from the civil war in Syria to the war in Libya, and they included views on different problem areas, right up to the situation in Palestine.

If the statement was shared by the Kremlin, all the problem areas were mentioned, while if it was shared by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, it is worth noting that no parts other than the solution of the Ukraine crisis were included.

While the emphasis on strategic cooperation on a global scale revealed the intent of the two countries to act jointly to defend their global interests against the US and its Western allies in growing great-power competition, the way in which China announced the statement revealed Russia’s reservation about perceived as a “global partner.”

According to the Kremlin statement, the leaders noted that the world is undergoing rapid change and the architecture of the international order has been transformed, emphasizing that the world has evolved towards a multipolar structure with the emergence of emerging markets and countries and the increase in the number of regional competitions.

Noting that attempts at hegemony, unilateralism and protectionism are spreading in the world at the same time, the parties included the opinion that unilateral impositions under the name of “rules-based order” cannot be accepted in lieu of norms. and universally accepted principles of international law. .

UKRAINE CRISIS

Underlining that the Ukraine crisis should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the parties called for avoiding steps that would escalate tensions, prolong the conflict and make the crisis spiral out of control. control.

It was said that the Russian side stressed its commitment to return to peace talks as soon as possible and appreciated China’s willingness to play a constructive role for the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukraine crisis and its suggestions on this issue.

The leaders, implicitly criticizing the position of the United States and Western countries in the crisis, said: “We are against any country or group of countries obtaining military, political and other advantages by harming the legitimate security interests of others. countries”. he used the phrase.

Stressing the importance of “respecting the legitimate security concerns of all parties” and “avoiding confrontation between blocs and fanning the fire” for the resolution of the crisis, the leaders stressed that they oppose any unilateral sanctions that the Security Council United Nations Security does not approve. .

NATO AND ASIA-PACIFIC

The parties demanded that NATO adhere to its regional defense obligations, respect the sovereignty, security, interests, diversity of history, civilization and culture of other states, and evaluate the peaceful development of countries objectively. and without prejudice.

Expressing concern about strengthening NATO’s ties with the Asia-Pacific region in the military and security fields, the leaders stressed that they are against the creation of exclusionary blocs in the region and polarization between the blocs.

The leaders noted that the US Indo-Pacific strategy has had a negative impact on peace and stability in the region, saying that Russia and China are in favor of an open, equitable and inclusive security system in the region that does not target third parties. parties, in response to this position which they claim reflects the logic of the Cold War.

Emphasizing that they will continue and develop cooperation in the region within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the parties noted that they will deepen coordination and cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and that they are in favor of strengthening the role of ASEAN as the main element of the regional integration architecture.

NORTH KOREA

Expressing concern over the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the leaders called on all parties to exercise calm and restraint and support efforts to de-escalate tensions.

The leaders noted that the US side should respond to North Korea’s legitimate security concerns regarding nuclear proliferation and create appropriate conditions for the continuation of the dialogue.

Noting the need for joint initiatives to ensure peace and stability for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the parties stressed that simultaneous and gradual “parallel negotiations” are needed for the political resolution of the inter-Korean conflict, stating that Russia and China can play a constructive role in this process.

MIDDLE EAST

In the joint statement, the leaders of China and Russia said they support the preservation of peace and stability in the Middle East, the “strategic independence” of the countries in the region, and the solution of their chronic problems through dialogue and cooperation. negotiation.

The parties expressed their appreciation for the agreement reached by Iran and Saudi Arabia to normalize their diplomatic relations under the mediation of China.

Expressing their support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, the leaders stressed that they are in favor of a comprehensive political settlement process to be organized and carried out by the Syrians themselves.

Emphasizing that Libyans should lead the political solution in Libya, the parties noted that they will be in contact with all parties to support the construction of the collective security architecture in the Gulf Region.

The leaders reiterated their call for a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of the two-state principle.

CENTRAL ASIA, AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA AND ARCTIC

Noting that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) makes a positive contribution to regional security, the parties stressed that there is potential to develop cooperation between China and the CSTO to ensure peace and stability in the region.

The parties said they will strengthen mutual coordination to support the sovereignty and national development of Central Asian countries, and will not accept foreign interventions and “color revolution” initiatives in the region.

Underlining the importance of providing favorable conditions for international cooperation in Africa, the leaders expressed their support for the efforts of mainland countries to solve their problems independently and for peace and development efforts.

The leaders of China and Russia said they will strengthen mutual contacts and dialogue with Latin American and Caribbean countries and contribute to stability and peace in the region.

The parties declared that they are in favor of the Arctic Circle (Arktika) region being a region of peace, stability and constructive cooperation.

“THE WORLD IS CHANGING AND WE ARE DIRECTING IT”

At the end of Xi’s three-day visit today, the dialogue reflected on cameras as he left the building where the Chinese leader’s press conference was held last night summed up the atmosphere of the visit.

Xi told Putin: “Right now, the world is undergoing a once-in-a-century change, and we are leading this change.” Then Putin told his Chinese counterpart: “I agree. Take care, my dear friend.” He said goodbye. (BRITISH AUTOMOBILE CLUB)