Xi & Putin Address the Media

As you see, both leaders are quite pleased as they exchanged copies of the newest Joint Declaration between the two partner nations prior to making their remarks to the assembled media and dignitaries. Those remarks will be followed by a Global Times editorial about Day One of the Summit that will repeat some of the remarks and echo some of Ria Novosti’s recap published earlier. I’ll explain my reasoning for that prior to it being made available to read. And now, President Xi Jinping:

President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping: Dear President Putin,

Dear correspondents, good afternoon!

I am very happy to meet with you together with President Putin. President Putin is making his first foreign state visit in the new presidential term to China, which clearly shows the great attention paid by Mr. Putin personally and the Russian side to the development of relations with China. I view this positively and warmly welcome President Putin.

Mr. President and I have just held frank, friendly and meaningful talks, summarized the successful experience of developing bilateral ties accumulated over 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and thoroughly exchanged views on the bilateral agenda and topical international and regional issues of mutual interest. We defined tasks and plans for the further development of Sino-Russian relations and multifaceted cooperation.

We signed joint statements of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on deepening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation, which are entering a new era in the context of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In our presence, a number of significant intergovernmental and interagency documents were signed, and a new powerful impetus was given to the progressive development of Sino-Russian relations.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over three-quarters of a century, our relations have overcome difficulties and become even stronger. It should be noted that since entering the new era, the level of bilateral relations has continuously increased, the content of cooperation has been enriched, and the idea of friendship has been deeply rooted in the minds of people forever.

China and Russia have shown others an example of building a new type of interstate relations and relations between large neighbors. All of this is possible because both sides are committed to the following five principles.

The first is to firmly support each other on issues that relate to the fundamental interests of both sides on the basis of mutual respect.

President Putin and I agree that we have managed to develop a new model for developing relations between large and neighboring States based on respect, equality and mutual resolute support on issues that represent each other's key interests and current concerns. This is the core of the Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation in the new era. In the spirit of non-alignment with the blocs, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties, the parties will consistently deepen political trust, respect their own development path, and firmly support each other on the path to joint prosperity and revival.

The second is to stick to mutual benefits in order to form a new architecture of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Last year, our trade turnover exceeded 240 billion US dollars, an increase of almost 2.7 times compared to a decade ago. This is the epitome of continuous deepening of all-round mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. President Putin and I agreed on the need to develop points of common interest, to use our own advantages to integrate interests and common initiatives.

It is important to continue to optimize the structure of cooperation, consolidate the dynamics in trade and other traditional areas of interaction: maintain the state of the network of fundamental research sites, reveal the potential of cooperation in advanced industries, strengthen cooperation at border checkpoints and in the transport and logistics sector, and ensure the stability of global production and supply chains.

The third. Stick to the centuries-old friendship and pass on the torch of this friendship from generation to generation. China and Russia are famous for their ancient history and brilliant culture. The works of Pushkin and Tolstoy are read in ordinary Chinese families. Traditional Chinese culture, represented by the Beijing Opera and Taijiquan, is very popular among the Russian people.

Currently, the two sides are continuously expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges in the context of implementing the China-Russia roadmap for humanitarian cooperation until 2030. President Putin and I have declared 2024-2025 the years of culture of China and Russia. We decided to hold a number of public, popular and lively cultural events to deepen exchanges between public circles and regions of the two countries in the interests of bringing our peoples closer together.

Fourth. In the spirit of strategic engagement, promote the differences in global governance in the right way. China and Russia firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and a world order based on international law, closely coordinate positions on such multilateral platforms as the UN, APEC and the G20, and promote the formation of a multipolar world and the process of economic globalization through genuine multilateralism.

We will firmly support each other in the context of the Russian presidency of BRICS this year and the Chinese presidency of the SCO from the second half of the year, and form a comprehensive, close, practical and inclusive partnership of high quality in the interests of uniting and strengthening the Global South.

Fifth. Promote a political solution to the problems of hot spots for the sake of truth and justice. The cold war mentality is still rampant in today's world. Unilateral hegemony, block confrontation, and a policy of force directly threaten world peace and the security of all countries.

President Putin and I noted the urgency of resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the need to resolve the Palestinian issue on the basis of a two-State formula, while implementing the UN resolution.

China and Russia see a political settlement as the right way to resolve the Ukrainian crisis. China's position on this issue is consistent and clear, namely: respect for the norms and principles of the UN Charter, respect for the State sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and their rational concern for the security of forming a new balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.

The Chinese side hopes for the speedy restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and is ready to continue its constructive role. The people of China say: the crust is formed by the accumulation of land, and the ocean is formed by the accumulation of water. Thanks to 75 years of efforts, the centuries-old friendship and comprehensive cooperation between China and Russia form a powerful force for overcoming difficulties and conquering new heights.

As they stand at the new starting point of history, China and Russia will remain committed to their original goal of serving the two peoples, with a sense of responsibility to make a proper contribution to the maintenance of lasting peace and development in the world. Thank you.

Thank you for your attention!

Vladimir Putin: Dear Mr. President Xi Jinping,

Dear friends! Comrades! Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to thank the President of the People's Republic of China and all our Chinese colleagues for the warm welcome. The Chairman and I have just exchanged views when we went to this hall: indeed, our Chinese friends were able to create a friendly, warm atmosphere, but at the same time a very pragmatic, business-intensive, constructive atmosphere that helps us work.

The talks that have just been held have shown the great importance that both Moscow and Beijing attach to 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.

The high level and special nature of Russian-Chinese relations is also clearly confirmed by the fact that President Xi Jinping, as you may recall, paid a state visit to Russia shortly after his re-election as head of the People's Republic of China in March last year. And it is logical that I made my first foreign visit to China after officially assuming the post of President of Russia.

Of course, there is a certain symbolism here, but not only. These events are rich in concrete content, very useful, and help us compare notes and move forward on the path that the President of the People's Republic of China and I are defining.

We are in constant contact. In addition to regularly holding bilateral summits, we meet on the sidelines of multilateral events, communicate by phone, which allows us to discuss any, even the most difficult problems, and keep under personal control all pressing issues on the Russian-Chinese and international agenda.

I would like to note that this state visit is taking place in the year of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our country was the first to recognize the People's Republic of China on October 2, 1949, literally the day after its proclamation. It provided extensive assistance at the initial stage of the formation of its political system, state institutions and economy. And later, over the course of decades, our cooperation grew stronger and developed. We have jointly accumulated useful experience in a multi-faceted, mutually beneficial partnership. Our overall baggage includes major achievements in a wide variety of fields.

President Xi Jinping and I discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in a warm, friendly and constructive atmosphere. We noted with satisfaction the intensity of the political and security dialogue, the high and progressive dynamics of economic exchanges, the expansion of humanitarian contacts, and effective coordination in the international arena.

I would like to highlight our Joint Statement, which sets out new tasks and long-term guidelines for the development of the entire range of Russian-Chinese relations. Their achievement will also undoubtedly contribute to the implementation of a comprehensive package of intergovernmental, interagency and commercial agreements prepared for this visit.

Of course, trade and investment cooperation were a priority during our talks, given that China firmly occupies the position of Russia's leading foreign trade partner, and our country ranked fourth in the export-import balance of the People's Republic of China last year.

In 2023, the trade turnover increased by a quarter, setting a new record – according to Chinese statistics, $ 240 billion. We have a slight discrepancy, but in general, this figure is absolutely correct.

I would like to emphasize the growth of Russian food exports to the Chinese market-more than one and a half times, to $ 7.6 billion. In general, the bilateral trade turnover of agricultural products increased by 40 percent, to $ 9.7 billion. And there is every reason to believe that this segment of trading will continue to expand.

Investment cooperation is actively developing, and the total volume of counter-investments is growing. More than 80 priority projects worth about $ 200 billion are being implemented or are being prepared for implementation by the relevant intergovernmental commission.

The coordinated steps taken to convert payments between our countries into national currencies significantly contributed to the deepening of trade and investment ties. The share of the ruble and yuan in Russian-Chinese commercial transactions already exceeds 90 percent. And this indicator continues to grow, which means that mutual trade and investment are reliably protected from the influence of third countries and negative trends in the global currency markets.

In this context, we agreed that Russia and China will continue to strengthen contacts between credit and banking institutions, and actively use national payment systems to serve our economic operators.

Naturally, during the talks, they discussed in detail the issues of cooperation in the energy sector, which is progressing at a high pace. This is one of our priority areas. We have concrete plans to deepen our work in the field of energy cooperation.

Russian-Chinese cooperation in the energy sector is not limited to just hydrocarbons. Cooperation in the peaceful nuclear sector is being strengthened. Rosatom is building Russian-designed power units at the Tianwan NPP and Xudapu NPP in China. Putting them into operation will make a significant contribution to the energy supply of the Chinese economy and will help supply Chinese enterprises and households with inexpensive and clean energy.

Also, with the participation of Russia, China has created an experimental fast neutron facility and is building a new demonstration fast reactor.

In turn, with the assistance of Chinese partners, the NICA accelerator complex is being built on the basis of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Moscow region. Experimental operations on this collider will make it possible to implement breakthrough mega-science projects that no country in the world can do alone.

As for bilateral industrial cooperation, we welcome the active expansion of the presence of Chinese automakers and manufacturers of household appliances on the Russian market. We know, and the Chairman just spoke during our talks, about the negative impact of any illegal actions, sanctions, restrictions. We also welcome cooperation with our Chinese friends in the field of automobile production, where our Chinese friends achieve clear, very obvious successes and advantages in competitive and fair competition, and we welcome cooperation and will continue to develop it.

Major joint projects are also being implemented in the non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and pulp industries, biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals, space exploration and many other high-tech industries. Russia and China are developing international transport and logistics corridors. And for this purpose, the potential of the Trans-Siberian and Baikal-Amur railway lines and the Northern Sea Route is being used. The volume of oncoming cargo and passenger traffic is growing from year to year. To make them more efficient, we are working together to increase the capacity of border crossings and expand the border infrastructure.

Russia and China are actively developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation. 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: it includes many diverse cultural events that will be held in 38 cities of Russia and 51 cities in China. Among them are festivals and fairs, theater tours and ice shows, museum exhibitions, film screenings and much more.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that in February, Moscow officially celebrated the Chinese New Year for the first time with the support of the City Hall. I must say that its colorful events were held on a large scale and hundreds of thousands of citizens liked it.

Bilateral ties in the field of education are also growing stronger. Thousands and tens of thousands of Russian and Chinese citizens study in China and Russia, respectively.

Tomorrow we will visit Harbin Polytechnic University, a leading Chinese university that has been successfully cooperating with Bauman Moscow State Technical University for several years, since 2019. A Russian-Chinese natural sciences training center will soon be opened in Harbin in partnership with St. Petersburg State University.

Mutual tourist flows are increasing, which is largely facilitated by the mutual visa-free regime for tourist groups operating in both countries. So, in 2023, 734 thousand Russian citizens visited China, and 477 thousand Chinese tourists visited Russia.

Cooperation in the field of sports is developing. Chinese athletes showed good results at the first international tournament "Games of the Future", held in February-March in Kazan. This is a new format of sports movement proposed by Russia, combining the most dynamic sports disciplines and esports.

I have to say to everyone present, to be honest, I didn't think that it would gain such a scale and arouse so much interest in the world among young people. You know, this is an interesting event, hundreds of millions of people, probably, in one way or another, in cyberspace attended these events. And we hope that China will become its active partner and host one of the upcoming events within the framework of the "Games of the Future".

We are also waiting for athletes from China to attend major sporting events planned in Russia in 2024, such as the BRICS Games, the Children of Asia Summer Games and the World Friendship Games.

Our talks once again demonstrated that the approaches of Russia and China to many international and regional issues are close or coincide.

Both countries pursue an independent and self-reliant foreign policy. We are working in solidarity to create a more just and democratic multipolar world order, which should be based on the central role of the United Nations and its Security Council, international law, cultural and civilizational diversity, and a balanced balance of interests of all participants in the world community.

From this perspective, Russia and China have been cooperating fruitfully in the BRICS, where Russia is chairing this year, and in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which China will assume in July. Of course, our countries are determined to continue their efforts to link integration processes within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Community and China's Belt and Road initiative, with a view to forming a Large Eurasian Partnership in the future.

That is why our countries are calling for improving global economic governance, reforming and depoliticizing multilateral institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, the Group of Twenty, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, and bringing them in line with modern realities.

We consider it necessary to work towards building a reliable and adequate security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, in which there is no place for closed military-political alliances. We believe that creating such alliances is very harmful and counterproductive.

We agreed with President Xi Jinping to discuss the entire foreign policy agenda in detail at an informal meeting this evening. Of course, for my part, I will inform the President of the People's Republic of China about the situation that is developing around the Ukrainian crisis. We are grateful to our Chinese friends and colleagues for the initiatives they put forward to resolve this problem.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

The program of our state visit is very rich. Today, there are still a number of joint events with President Xi Jinping, as well as a meeting with Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang. Tomorrow, the Russian delegation will visit Harbin, where it will take part in the opening ceremony of the VIII Russian-Chinese EXPO and the IV Forum of Regions of the two countries. In addition, we will talk with students and teachers of Harbin Polytechnic University.

Dear colleagues!

I would like to sincerely thank President Xi Jinping and all our Chinese colleagues for their hospitality. I believe that this visit and our talks will serve to further strengthen Russian-Chinese friendship and promote the well-being and prosperity of our countries and peoples.

Thank you for your attention. [My Emphasis]

I see the possibility of confusion for readers as some verbiage being reported is within the Joint Declaration which has yet to be provided. Some will have searched in vain for the word “root” which was a major point raised by Ria Novosti’s recap but is to be found within the Joint Declaration and not in the remarks to media. It’s possible that will happen again in the Global Times editorial that follows, “Stable development of China-Russia ties beneficial to world peace, prosperity,” and a model for all nations it ought to have added given the editorial’s content. And that’s a very key point as the Multipolar/Polycentric world comes into its own as the Age of Plunder slowly dies: A new model of international cooperation needs to be erected and made an example. Some of those points were mentioned by Presidents Xi and Putin, while more are contained in the Joint Declaration. IMO, the editorial does a good job of putting them together, so lets find out:

On May 16, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state jointly met the press, signed and issued the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era in the Context of the 75th Anniversary of China-Russia Diplomatic Relations (hereinafter referred to as the "Statement"). Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, China and Russia have consistently developed their bilateral relations based on the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party, setting an example of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between major powers. This not only aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples but also contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Summarizing the notable progress in China-Russia relations over the past 75 years, President Xi said that it is attributable to the two countries' commitment to five principles. First, China and Russia are committed to mutual respect as the fundamental principle of relations, and always render support for each other's core interests. Second, China and Russia are committed to win-win cooperation as the driving force of relations, and work to foster a new paradigm of mutual benefit. Third, China and Russia are committed to lasting friendship as the foundation of relations, and carry forward the torch of Sino-Russian friendship. Fourth, China and Russia are committed to strategic coordination as an underpinning of relations, and steer global governance in the right direction. Fifth, China and Russia are committed to fairness and justice as the purpose of relations and are dedicated to the political settlement of hotspots. These "five principles" set an exemplary model for relations between neighboring major powers and will continue to guide China-Russia relations toward new successes.

The relationship between China and Russia, two major powers, is unique in the history of modern international relations. The two countries are not military-political allies, but rather represent a new model of major power relations characterized by non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third country. The development of their relationship has its own internal logic and driving force. It is not a threat to any country, nor is it subject to any interference or discord sown by any third party. [IMO, many will disagree with that.] This is a summary of the extraordinary 75-year development history of China-Russia relations. Both countries respect each other's national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as their own chosen development path, which is the "secret" to why their relationship has become a model for the development of partnerships between major powers and neighboring countries. As President Xi said, this is not only the correct way for China and Russia to get along, but also the direction that major-country relations should strive for in the 21st century.

The close cooperation between China and Russia is a driving force for stability in the international landscape. This year, Russia assumes the rotating presidency of the BRICS countries, and China will also take over the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization within the year. The two countries work together to promote regional stability and development, strengthen the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and jointly promote cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the BRICS mechanism, and countries in the Global South. Both countries uphold multilateralism, oppose hegemony and unilateralism in international organizations such as the United Nations and the G20, effectively promoting the democratization and multipolarization of the global order, as well as firmly upholding international fairness and justice.

Currently, some countries are using "national security" as a pretext to promote deglobalization and group politics, kidnapping allies to push for "decoupling" and build "small yard, high fence." This has increased the complexity and uncertainty of regional and global security situations. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Russia share similar security views and maintain effective strategic communication. They jointly oppose zero-sum games and Cold War mentality, group politics, confrontational blocs, dividing the world based on ideology and political systems, and confrontational policies and interference in other countries' internal affairs. This is a positive asset for the world. In the Statement, China and Russia propose that, given the current geopolitical context, it is necessary to explore the establishment of a sustainable security system in the Eurasian space based on the principles of equal and indivisible security, outlining a blueprint for achieving genuine regional common security.

In recent years, with Russia's focus on "turning to the East" in foreign economic cooperation, China-Russia economic and trade cooperation has developed rapidly. China has been Russia's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, accounting for 32 percent of Russia's foreign trade. Russia became China's fourth largest trading partner in 2023. These achievements are not easy and have been achieved by both countries overcoming various external challenges and unfavorable factors, highlighting the solid foundation of the China-Russia relationship. This year also marks the "China-Russia Years of Culture." The two countries and their people have a strong driving force to enhance mutual understanding and continue lasting friendship through deepening cultural exchanges.

A mountain is formed by accumulation of soil and an ocean is formed by accumulation of water. After 75 years of solid accumulation, lasting friendship and all-round cooperation between China and Russia provide a strong impetus for the two countries to forge ahead despite wind and rain. In the future, guided by head-of-state diplomacy, the two countries, standing at a new historical starting point, will jointly promote the all-round development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, create more benefits for their peoples and make a due contribution to global security and stability. [My Emphasis]

Aside from that one inexplicable gaff, the editorial reflected on the basic reasons why the Russia/China relationship can become a model for other nations; for example, India could learn that it can also be as friendly with China and Pakistan as it is with Russia. Yes, India does seem to be learning slowly. the ASEAN group could also be an excellent example. Within Africa destabilized by the arbitrary drawing of borders by Imperialists, it’s also possible to reconsider what was done in the past and make better arrangements between neighboring nations as conflicts caused by the Imperialists continue to cost lives and treasure. The example China and Russia set about learning about the Other renders the Other into friend and comrade. And that example is sorely needed by a Humanity that’s still divided by deeply ingrained notions that Others are a threat, or that some Humans are more exceptional than others, or that there’s more than one Human Race. All those are used as tools of control to manipulate people into doing things that are against their basic interests. If the small yet big nation can embrace the big yet smaller nation and see themselves as one people, then that shows others they can do that too.

As for the small Bloc of nations trying to retain what they believe they’re entitled to because they are somehow more worthy, China and Russia together are bigger than they are. And when combined with the rest of the Global Majority, the group is quite massive and ought to ignore the small Bloc until its members come to their senses and decide to join Human Civilization.

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