Global asset

The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia is a steadfast anchor for their relations in a changing world

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between China and Russia. The treaty marked a historical leap in bilateral relations. The spirit and principles enshrined in the treaty correspond to the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples and have withstood the tests of a rapidly changing international landscape.

Twenty-five years on, the treaty has proven to be a milestone in bilateral relations. Political trust has grown steadily, backed by strong support on their respective core interests. Practical cooperation has expanded across the board —science and technology, trade and agriculture have all delivered fruitful results. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have flourished, enhancing mutual understanding and mutual learning among civilizations and strengthening the popular foundation of friendship.

Over the past 25 years, the bilateral relationship has evolved from good-neighborliness to strategic coordination, and from convergence of interests to a community with a shared future — scaling new heights. China-Russia relations have proved stable and resilient, with strong internal impetus and independent value. They are not swayed by any single event or temporary circumstances, but serve the fundamental interests of both peoples and align with their respective overall national development strategies.

As China and Russia pursue their respective national rejuvenation, they have honored their treaty commitments, translated practical experience into a strategic vision, and institutionalized successful cooperation models — bolstering strategic coordination and demonstrating the responsibility of major countries. This strategic coordination between neighboring major powers — rooted in their respective realities and shared interests — advances an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Founded on equality, high mutual trust and adherence to international law, the China-Russia relationship firmly upholds the two sides’ core interests. It goes beyond the logic of traditional military alliance and bloc confrontation. This major-country relationship offers a mature model for a new type of international relations that are built on mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation.

Countering hegemonism and power politics, the two countries uphold the United Nations-centered international system and order based on international law, while working to implement the global initiatives — on development, security, civilization and governance — which China proposed along with other propositions. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, their strategic coordination underpins a more just and equitable global governance system.

The treaty retains its enduring vitality and will continue to manifest its contemporary relevance in line with the trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. In May, the two sides agreed to further extend the treaty, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to its spirit and principles.

The world today is beset by mounting global challenges, a widening governance deficit and growing strains on multilateralism. Some countries continue to pursue hegemonic thinking, bloc confrontation and power politics, fueling instability and undermining global governance. At the same time, forces championing multipolarity and the democratization of international relations are gaining ground. Global South countries are asserting themselves — safeguarding their sovereignty, security and development interests, and demanding sovereign equality in rights, opportunities and rules. These two forces are now locked in a deep game of strategic rivalry.

Keeping pace with the times and grasping the tide of history is a vital and ever-renewing endeavor. The tide of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit is unstoppable as it reflects the common aspirations of peoples everywhere. China and Russia, firm in their opposition to hegemonism and power politics, are deepening their strategic coordination, rallying all peace-loving forces to uphold the UN’s authority and central role in world affairs, and strengthening coordination within multilateral platforms including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation — working together to safeguard world peace and stability and advance a more just and equitable global governance system.

Humanity faces an era of growing challenges. Division and confrontation lead nowhere — solidarity and cooperation are the only way forward. China and Russia will continue to jointly write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for humanity. This is both a strategic choice aligned with the trend of the times and a major-country responsibility that meets the world's expectations.

The author is the deputy secretary-general of the Council on China-Russia Strategic Coordination at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.