The development of defense cooperation between Russia and China effectively strengthens regional and global security, a joint statement published by the Kremlin on Thursday read.

"The parties are pleased to note that the consistent development of cooperation between the two states in the field of defense, based on a high level of mutual strategic trust, effectively strengthens regional and global security," said the joint statement, issued following Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting.

The joint statement coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations. It comes as Putin is paying a two-day state visit to China for talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi.

On the issue of chemical weapons, Russia and China expressed in their joint statement that they were deeply concerned about the politicization of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and vowed commitment to building a world free of chemical weapons.

"The parties are committed to building a world free of chemical weapons and are deeply concerned about the politicization of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons," the statement said.

They also pledged deepening cooperation in combating international terrorism and extremism.

"The sides intend to deepen cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and extremism," the statement said.

The two countries will also develop cooperation between financial intelligence and intend to prevent the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing, as per the statement. 

As for the deployment of arms in outer space, Russia and China confirmed in a joint statement on Thursday an urgent need for talks on establishing a treaty on preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space. 

"The parties confirm the need to launch negotiations on establishing, on the basis of the Russian-Chinese draft treaty on preventing deployment of weapons in outer space, the use or threat of force against space objects, of a multilateral legally binding instrument that would provide fundamental and reliable guarantees for the prevention of an arms race in space, the deployment of weapons in outer space and the use or threat of force against or with the help of space objects," the statement released by the Kremlin read.

The partners will also continue to strengthen cooperation in the sphere of responding to emergency situations, as well as to develop interaction in space surveillance, the parties added in the statement.

"With these aims in mind, [the parties] agreed… to enhance a long-term partnership in the space field within the framework of implementing large-scale projects in the interests of both Russia and China and included in the national space programs, including in the sphere of creating the International Lunar Research Station, moon studies and outer spaces researches, cooperation in the use navigation satellite systems GLONASS and BeiDou," the statement read.

On their approaches toward different countries and bodies, Russia and China expressed a few distinct positions.

Ukraine

Russia positively assesses China's objective and unbiased position on the Ukrainian issue, the joint statement said.

"The Russian side positively assesses China's objective and unbiased position on the Ukrainian issue and shares the approach according to which conflicts should be resolved on the basis of the UN Charter in its entirety and totality," it read, highlighting the necessity of halting steps that contribute to the prolongation of hostilities and escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the statement said.

"[The sides] call for preventing [the conflict's] transition into an uncontrollable phase, emphasize the importance of dialogue as the optimal form of resolving the Ukrainian crisis," the statement said.

Russia welcomes the readiness of China to play a constructive role in the political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

"The parties proceed from the fact that for a sustainable settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, it is necessary to eliminate its root causes and adhere to the principle of indivisibility of security, taking into account the legitimate interests and concerns of all countries in the field of security," the statement added.

Latin America

Russia and China have expressed their readiness to enhance the strategic cooperation in the Latin American and Caribbean region, according to a joint statement published on Thursday.

"The parties express their readiness to further enhance strategic cooperation and coordination of efforts in the Latin America and the Caribbean region," the statement said.

Both countries have expressed interest in preserving the Arctic as a territory of peace.

Syria, Libya

Russia and China said in their joint statement that they support the sovereignty of Syria and Libya and promote the settlement process.

"The sides support the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and Libya, and promote the advancement of a political settlement process led and implemented by the citizens of these countries on their own," the two leaders said.

US, NATO on Afghanistan

Russia and China also warned the United States and NATO, which are responsible for the occupation of Afghanistan, not to try to deploy military infrastructure there again.

"The two sides emphasize that the US and NATO, which are responsible for the 20-year occupation of Afghanistan, should not try again to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan and the neighboring region, are obliged to take primary responsibility for the country's current socioeconomic difficulties, reaffirm support for its post-conflict reconstruction, and take all necessary measures to unfreeze Afghanistan's frozen national reserves," the statement released by the Kremlin said.

They also believe that the US and NATO are obligated to take measures to unfreeze Afghanistan's frozen national reserves, according to the statement.

In this context, Russia and China called on countries to stop pursuing confrontational policies and interfering in the internal affairs of other states.

"The parties call on relevant countries and organizations to stop pursuing confrontational policies and interfering in the internal affairs of other states, undermining the existing security architecture, creating new dividing lines between countries, provoking regional tension and promoting bloc confrontation," the statement read.

China also expressed support for Russia's efforts to ensure sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Bilateral relations

Regarding their bilateral relations, Russia and China agreed on a myriad of topics, starting with deepening military ties and expanding joint drills.

The joint statement revealed that Russia and China will continue to deepen their military cooperation and expand joint military exercises and patrol missions.

"Moscow and Beijing will continue building confidence and deepening military cooperation, expanding the scope of joint exercises and combat training, conducting joint naval and air patrol missions on a regular basis, bolstering coordination and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, and constantly increasing the potential and level of joint response to threats and challenges," the statement read.

The two countries are concerned that "the current state of international security is characterized by escalating conflicts at the regional and global levels, general instability, as well as increased strategic risks stemming from escalating tensions between states, including nuclear powers."

In this regard, Russia and China said they supported a review of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons while being opposed to its abuse in pursuit of non-related political goals.

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They also agreed to promote the use of the Northern Sea Route as an important international transport corridor, according to a joint statement published on Thursday.

"The parties are considering practical cooperation between Russia and China... To this end, they agreed to promote the use of the Northern Sea Route as an important international transport corridor," the statement said.

Moreover, according to the joint statement, the issue of the South China Sea must be resolved through negotiations, and both Russia and China are against the interference of non-regional forces on the issue.

"The Russian side supports the efforts of China and the ASEAN countries to jointly protect peace and stability in the South China Sea. The parties agree that the issue of the South China Sea should be resolved by the parties involved through negotiations and consultations, and strongly oppose the intervention of non-regional forces in this issue," the two parties said.

Russia and China also condemned in their statement the deployment of US missile weapons in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, as these destabilizing steps threaten both country's security.

They also expressed concern about US attempts to upset the strategic balance, in particular, to ensure the implementation of plans "to deploy ground-based intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific and European regions, including their transfer to its allies," the statement read.

"The parties strongly condemn these extremely destabilizing steps, which pose a direct threat to the security of Russia and China, and intend to increase interaction and tighten coordination in order to counter Washington’s destructive and hostile course towards the so-called dual containment of our countries," it added.

Moreover, they opposed US hegemonic attempts to change the balance of power in Northeast Asia through a military buildup.

"The parties express serious concern about the consequences for strategic stability in the Asia-Pacific region of the implementation of the AUCUS project in all its aspects," the statement read.

They also declared their opposition to the creation of closed associations and bloc structures in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular, military alliances and coalitions directed against any third party, and noted the negative impact on regional peace and stability of the US “Indo-Pacific” strategy, synchronized with NATO’s destructive line in the Asia-Pacific region.

"The parties are convinced that the destinies of the peoples of all countries are interconnected; no state should ensure its security at the expense of the security of other states," the statement maintained.

Assets seizure 

Russia and China jointly condemned initiatives to seize foreign assets and property and emphasized the right to take retaliatory measures, in a joint statement issued on Thursday.

"The Parties condemn initiatives to seize assets and property of foreign states and emphasize the right of such states to retaliate in accordance with international legal norms," the joint statement said, adding that both sides pledged to defend their legitimate rights and interests and resist attempts to limit their foreign policy and economic potential.

Meanwhile, the two countries will increase the level of bilateral investment cooperation and facilitate the implementation of large-scale projects guaranteeing the protection of investors' rights, the statement read. Moscow and Beijing also agreed to speed up development and approve a new edition of the Investment Cooperation Plan in 2024, it added.

Furthermore, Russia and China agreed to increase the share of national currencies in bilateral trade, investment, lending, and other economic transactions, as well as improve financial infrastructure for mutual settlements between companies, the statement read.

Energy sector

Russia and China have agreed to continue strengthening their strategic energy cooperation, the joint statement said.

"The sides see practical cooperation between Russia and China as an important driver of socio-economic development and prosperity … In this regard they agreed to … continue developing Russian-Chinese strategic partnership in the energy sector," it added.

The Russian and Chinese governments agreed to uphold the economic and energy security of the two nations, including closer cooperation in the oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, coal, and electricity markets, as well as joint efforts to improve cross-border energy infrastructure and transport.

The governments agreed to take steps to "facilitate large-scale energy projects implemented jointly by Russian and Chinese enterprises and deepen cooperation in such promising areas as renewables, hydrogen, and carbon markets."

SCO activities; cooperation in politics, economy

Moroever, Russia and China vowed in their joint statement on Thursday that they would strengthen the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)'s activities and potential for cooperation in politics, security, economy, and humanitarian ties.

"The sides, in cooperation with other SCO member states, will improve the organization's activities, strengthen the potential of cooperation in the spheres of politics, security, economy and humanitarian ties in the interests of transforming Eurasia into a common space of peace, stability, mutual trust, development and prosperity," the statement said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping were intense and meaningful.

"For my part, I am also very pleased to meet with you [Chinese Premier Li Qiang] and discuss current issues of bilateral cooperation in continuation of our today’s exceptionally intense and meaningful negotiations with President Xi Jinping," Putin said at a meeting with Li.

Putin added that the joint statement following talks with Xi set long-term guidelines for the development of ties.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping ratified on Thursday a joint declaration aimed at enhancing their countries' comprehensive strategic partnership during a summit that portrayed their alliance as a stabilizing influence in an uncertain global landscape.

At a joint press briefing on Thursday, Xi remarked, "Both sides firmly defend the system of international relations with the central role of the United Nations, and the world order based on international law, closely coordinated and cooperated within multilateral formats such as the UN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the G20." 

🇷🇺🤝🇨🇳 President of Russia Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing

Vladimir Putin’s state visit to China will last two days – the Russian leader will spend May 16 in Beijing and visit Harbin on May 17.

On Thursday, the President held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in… pic.twitter.com/0UJXQeCsoc

— Russian Embassy in South Africa 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) May 16, 2024

The Chinese President emphasized that China and Russia will collaborate to make a meaningful contribution to global security and stability.

"Both sides believe that a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is the right direction, and China's position on this issue has always been clear and consistent," he stressed.

Moreover, he stated that the lingering Cold War mentality, bloc confrontations, and power politics pose a threat to the security of all nations, emphasizing the importance of impartiality, fairness, and dedication to advancing political resolutions to sensitive matters.

"China hopes for the speedy restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and will continue to play a constructive role in this regard," Xi said.

Russia and China to strengthen Eurasian economic integration

On his part, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia and China plan to persist in their endeavors to align the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.

"Of course, our countries are determined to continue efforts to combine integration processes within the framework of the EAEU and the Chinese initiative 'One Belt, One Road' with an eye to forming a large Eurasian partnership in the future," Putin stressed.

"[Chinese] President [Xi Jinping] has now spoken during our negotiations about the negative impact of any illegal actions, sanctions, restrictions. We welcome cooperation with Chinese friends in the field of automobile production, where Chinese friends are achieving clear, completely obvious successes and advantages in the competition, fair competition. We welcome cooperation and will develop it further,"  he added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Putin asserted that the mutual trade and investments between Russia and China are safeguarded against the adverse impact of third-party nations.

"This means that we can say that mutual trade and investment are reliably protected from the negative influence of third countries and negative trends in world currency markets," the Russian President said.

"We have concrete plans to the deepen work in the field of energy cooperation," Putin further stressed.

He also noted that exports of Russian food to the Chinese market have experienced a notable increase.
 
"I will especially note the growth of Russian food exports to the Chinese market — more than 1.5 times, to $7.6 billion," Putin detailed.

Putin and Xi: Charting the course for stronger bilateral ties

The Russian President revealed that he engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterpart regarding the potential avenues for bilateral cooperation.
 
"Today, in a warm, friendly, and constructive atmosphere, we discussed with President Xi Jinping the state and prospects of bilateral cooperation," Putin said.

He stated that both leaders expressed contentment with the robust dialogue in political and security domains, the positive growth in economic interactions, the widening scope of humanitarian engagements, and the efficient collaboration in global affairs.
 
"Russia and China are developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation in the most dynamic way. As already mentioned, the years 2024-2025 have been declared cross-cultural years in our countries, their official start will be given tonight. The program of the cross-years is very extensive," he said.

Russia-China joint statement sets ambitious long-term goal

Putin stated that the joint statement issued by the leaders of Russia and China delineates long-term goals for enhancing the entirety of Moscow-Beijing relations.
 
"I would particularly like to note the joint statement we have adopted, which sets out new large-scale tasks and long-term guidelines for the development of the entire complex of Russian-Chinese relations," Putin said.

"The talks that have just taken place have shown that both Moscow and Beijing put a premium on the development and strengthening of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. This partnership undoubtedly serves as a model of how relations between neighboring states should be built," he further stressed.

In the same context, Putin highlighted that both nations have amassed a wealth of experience in mutually advantageous and diverse cooperation, resulting in numerous achievements across various domains.

It is worth noting that Russia and China formally agreed upon a unified concept for the development of Bolshoy Ussuriysky Island.

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