The joint statement China and Russia signed in Moscow on Monday
ushers in a new era of partnership.
The two countries marked the 10th anniversary of the partnership
as part of President Hu Jintao's visit to Moscow.
Monday's joint statement highlighted the growing bilateral
relations' future direction. It also noted the two nations' desire
to settle shared problems including boundary issues. China and
Russia have one of the longest land borders in the eastern
hemisphere, sharing a 4,300 kilometer-long border.
The past decade has witnessed the two countries' steady and
maturing partnership.
In the joint statement, China and Russia continue to uphold the
Treaty for Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. The
pact, signed in 2001, was the product of improved Sino-Russian
ties.
The joint statement promises major policy continuity. Once
again, Russia states that "there is only one China" and that Taiwan
and Tibet are China's internal affairs.
China and Russia first announced the development of their
strategic partnership at a Shanghai summit in 1996. Since then,
they have taken steps to build this relationship.
They have based the partnership on legitimate and national
interests. They also have shared concerns regarding the spread of
terrorism.
Close contacts between the two countries have showcased the
development of the growing relationship. Last year alone, Hu and
Russian President Vladimir Putin held six summits.
Common concerns in the international arena have furnished much
of the impetus for the strategic partnership's growth.
The relationship is not aimed at any one nation.
The deals the two countries signed on Monday indicated that
economic cooperation is an important element of the Sino-Russian
partnership. New projects will develop the trade structure between
the two countries.
In its initial stage, it primarily involves Russian raw
materials and Chinese consumer goods and food. With vast human and
natural resources, the two countries have great potential for
growth in both trade and investment.
Ten years ago, the two countries agreed to maintain their
friendship from generation to generation. On Monday they took that
oath again as the Sino-Russian partnership heads into the next
decade.
(China Daily via agencies March 28, 2007)
