China sets out "5 always" principles in diplomatic relations with Russia

According to Xinhua News Agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing on April 9 and both sides expressed hope to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields.

Speaking at a press conference after the talks, the Chinese Foreign Minister said that to further consolidate and develop bilateral relations, China and Russia should follow five principles:

First, the two countries must always follow the diplomatic strategic guidance of the heads of state.

Second, the two countries must always adhere to the principles of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party.

Third, the two countries must always stay on the right track on important issues of principle. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and emerging major countries, China and Russia should actively respond to the common aspirations and legitimate concerns of the people of all countries, advocate a new path in inter-state relations featuring dialogue and partnership instead of confrontation and alliance, and actively promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind (community of common destiny).

Fourth, the two countries should always pursue win-win results through cooperation. China and Russia will continue to support inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and promote new drivers for global development and progress.

Fifth, the two countries should always support an equal and orderly multipolar world. China and Russia support the central role of the United Nations in the global governance system and will further strengthen international coordination.

Meanwhile, the Global Times (China) quoted Chinese analysts as saying that the meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers in Beijing this time sent a strong signal that China will steadily develop its strategic partnership with Russia, despite pressure from the West. The Sino-Russian partnership continues to be the key to global strategic balance and the hope of promoting a multipolar world, in which countries in the "Global South" (developing and emerging countries outside the Western bloc) will play a greater role.

Yang Jin, a researcher at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the “five always” principles put forward by Foreign Minister Wang Yi provide a “framework and roadmap” for the future development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

However, according to the Global Times, many voices in the West, mainly from the US as well as some senior NATO officials, insist on describing the Sino-Russian relationship as an “anti-Western alliance,” which is completely wrong. By reaffirming the principles of “non-alignment, non-confrontation, and not targeting any third party,” China and Russia are refuting those voices with a clear stance, Chinese experts said.