Article by Vladimir Putin in the People’s Daily “Russia and China – a partnership looking to the future”

 

“I am glad to have the opportunity to address the friendly Chinese people from the pages of one of the largest and most authoritative world publications on the eve of the state visit to Russia by Chinese President Xi Jinping . This significant event reaffirms the special nature of the Russian-Chinese partnership, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other’s sovereignty and interests.

We have high expectations for the upcoming negotiations. We have no doubt that they will give a powerful new impetus to the entire range of bilateral cooperation. It is also a great opportunity for me to see a good old friend with whom we have the warmest relationship.

We met Comrade Xi Jinping in March 2010, when he came to Moscow at the head of a representative Chinese delegation. Our first meeting was very businesslike and at the same time sincere and friendly. This style of communication personally impresses me deeply. I know that China attaches great importance to friendship and human relationships. It is no coincidence that the sage Confucius said: “Isn’t it a joy when a friend comes from afar!” We in Russia also highly appreciate these qualities, for us a true friend is like a brother. In this, our peoples are very similar.

Three years later, around the same March days, we met again in the capital of Russia. At that time, Xi Jinping made his first state visit to our country after being elected President of the People’s Republic of China. That summit set the tone and dynamics for Russian-Chinese relations for many years, became clear evidence of the special nature of relations between Russia and China, and determined the vector of their accelerated and sustainable development.

A decade has passed, which, by the standards of the history of our countries, bound by the ties of centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness and cooperation, is just a moment. During this time, a lot has changed in the world, and often not for the better, but the main thing has remained unchanged – strong Russian-Chinese friendship, which is consistently strengthened for the benefit and in the interests of our countries and peoples. The progress made in bilateral ties is impressive. Russian-Chinese relations have reached the highest level in their history and continue to grow stronger, they are superior in quality to the military-political alliances of the Cold War, there is no leader and follower, there are no restrictions or forbidden topics. Our political dialogue has become extremely trusting, strategic interaction has become comprehensive and is entering a new era.”

Continued:

https://kremlin-ru.translate.goog/events/president/news/70743?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=af&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Trevor