Xi Jinping: We find the prospects for Chinese-Russian relations absolutely optimistic

Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Moscow on July 3-4. Russian President Vladimir Putin marked this step as the main event in relations between two countries in 2017. On the eve of this visit, Xi Jinping gave an exclusive interview to "TASS", in which he shared his vision of relations with Russia, his mind about development of global economy, resolution of the conflict in Syria and shared his expectations from the upcoming G20 summit in Hamburg.
- You have repeatedly noted that Chinese-Russian relations are now at the best stage in their history. What made you think so? How relevant is timely coordination of the China's and Russia's positions on the key international agenda for maintaining peace, stability, development and prosperity in the world and in the region?
At present, Chinese-Russian relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation are experiencing the best period in history, which, as for me, is reflected in the following aspects.
First, political and strategic mutual trust is now at a high level. Historically developed border misconceptions have been finally resolved, thus, the Chinese-Russian border with a length of more than 4,300 km has turned into a bond of friendship between two peoples. The PRC and the Russian Federation concluded an agreement on good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation, which legally enshrined the idea of friendship passing from generation to generation. Both parties strongly support each other's efforts aimed to protect fundamental interests, in particular, sovereignty, security, territorial integrity; fully support each other in choosing a development path that meets national characteristics, and also support each other in terms of the national restoration and development, saying in brief, in developing their own affairs. China and Russia are each other's most trustworthy strategic partners.
Secondly, we obtained perfect mechanisms for contacts at high and the highest levels, as well as for multifaceted cooperation. We have developed close working ties and good personal relations with President Putin. We meet about 5 times a year, together outline directions of bilateral relations and discuss the prospects for development of this relations. In response to President Putin's invitation, I am going to attend Russia with the state visit in the coming days, and I am sure that my visit will give new impetus to the development of Chinese-Russia relations. High-level contacts, along with perfect multi-tiered connection mechanisms between departments and between regions - all this constitutes reliable institutional prerequisites for the development of relations between two countries.
China and Russia are each other's most trustworthy strategic partners.
Thirdly, active work to interlink development strategies is underway . With President Putin, we have reached an important agreement on connecting the construction of "One Belt and One Road" with EAEU. Our cooperation is steadily developing in such fields as energy, trade, investment, high technologies, finance, infrastructure and agriculture. Meanwhile, the percent of modernization and scientific and technological innovation is continuously increasing. Tianwan NPP became an exemplary project for cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. The project of laying a gas pipeline along the eastern route is being successfully implemented. We believe that major strategic cooperation projects, like joint development of the wide-body long-range passenger aircrafts and heavy helicopters, will increase the common power and international competitiveness of two countries. We also agreed to cooperate in the developing industries, such as innovations and e-commerce, in order to find new growth points and unleash cooperation potential. Rapidly developing practical cooperation is the driving force of sustainable development of Chinese-Russian relations.
Fourth, now we are provided with solid social base and support. This year marks the 20th anniversary since foundation of the Sino-Russian Friendship, Cooperation and Development Committee, the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Friendship Association, the Media Years Media are also coming to an end, and a number of rich and diverse cultural and humanitarian events are being held in this context. The number of mutual trips of citizens of two countries exceeds 3 million annually. China has been maintaining its status of the largest provider of tourist flows for Russia throughout the years. Through joint efforts, a common university and several cultural centers were opened, and the challenge to bring volume of student exchange to 100,000 students by 2020 was set. Cultures and languages of both countries, with their unique appeal, brings our peoples, who sincerely wish to develop friendship and cooperation between China and Russia, closer to one another day by day.
China has been maintaining its status of the largest provider of tourist flows for Russia throughout the years.
Fifth, close strategic interaction in international and regional affairs is maintained on the regular basis. China and Russia, as world powers, permanent members of the UN Security Council and countries with an emerging markets, advocate adherence to the fundamentals of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, support the formation of a multipolar global order and democratization of international relations, uphold the results of World War II and international justice with permanent confidence. We maintain close interaction and coordination within multilateral structures, in particular the UN, G20, APEC, together we have established and promoted such organisations as the SCO, BRICS, and made joint efforts to maintain peace and stability at surrounding territory in particular in Central and Northeast Asia. Interaction between China and Russia in international affairs effectively serves the interests of peace maintenance, promoting security and stability in the region and throughout the world. As factors of stability in complicated and changing international environment, our countries have dutifully taken on a great responsibility for peace preservation and stable development on the planet.
We are fully optimistic about the prospects for Chinese-Russian relations. I am ready, together with President Putin, to keep further promoting bilateral relations to facilitate development and renewal of two countries and contribute to prosperity and stable life order of the people all over the world.
- There is an opinion that at present the level of political relations is far ahead of trade and economic ties between China and Russia. In your opinion, what measures should be taken to improve bilateral trade and economic relations, what areas and major projects are of priority nature nowadays?
“Together with President Putin, we attach great importance to trade and economic cooperation between China and Russia and actively stimulate its development. In the context of practical cooperation between our countries, trade and economic ties have the widest scope and huge potential.
It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to trade and economic cooperation between two countries. For the 7th year already, China retains the status of Russia's largest trading partner among the rest countries of the world. Despite the impact of such negative factors as the inertness of global economy, volatility of prices for oil and other basic commodities, last year the downward trend in Chinese-Russian trade was reversed. Trade turnover amounted to 69.53 billion US dollars, having demonstrated an increase of 2.2% compared to 2015. During the first 5 months of the current year, bilateral trade gained momentum and grew by 26%. Trade turnover, according to expectations, may exceed 80 billion US dollars by the end of the year.
Despite the impact of such negative factors as the inertness of global economy, volatility of prices for oil and other basic commodities, last year the downward trend in Chinese-Russian trade was reversed.
It is noteworthy that the structure is undergoing permanent optimization and that we identify many additional points of growth in our trade and economic cooperation. First, trade volumes in machinery and high-tech products is growing rapidly, increase in the first quarter of this year was 20.8% and 19.4%, respectively. Secondly, investment cooperation is gradually yielding results. This year, Chinese-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Investment Cooperation determined a new updated list of 73 joint projects, some of which are being implemented according to the schedule. Thirdly, financial cooperation is expanding as well. Central Bank of Russia opened its first foreign representative office in China. The Russian company was the first among the enterprises of the countries situated along the "One Belt and One Road" route that managed to allocate "panda bonds" on the Chinese stock exchange successfully. The Chinese party announced the establishment of the Chinese-Russian Investment Fund for Regional Cooperation Development in the amount of 100 billion yuan, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Northeast regions of China and Russian Far East region. Fourth, trade in agricultural products is growing rapidly. China welcomes providing an access for more high-quality Russian agricultural products to the Chinese market. Fifthly, intensive cooperation on the development of Russian Far East continues. China has already became the biggest trading partner for Russian Far East. Parties are actively working on promising cooperation projects in such directions as deep processing of resources, port logistics, modern agriculture and infrastructure development. Sixth, large strategic projects in the field of energy, nuclear energy, aviation, space, and cross-border infrastructure are being successfully implemented. For example, successful launch of the gas pipeline along the eastern route, participation of the Chinese company in the Yamal LNG project, opening of the Chinese-Russian joint venture for development of a wide-body passenger aircraft in May of this year in Shanghai.
In addition, mutual investments should be further expanded, cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses should be intensified, and it is impossible to manage without joint efforts of both sides. It is necessary to intensify traditional trade and economic cooperation, in particular the import of oil, gas, coal, electricity, lumber and other actual goods from Russia to China, expand and promote mutual settlements in national currencies, and carefully implement the agreed investment projects. It is necessary to make maximum use of such platforms as the Chinese-Russian EXPO, St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and Eastern Economic Forum, to unleash the potential of interregional and cross-border trade and economic cooperation in the Yangtze-Volga and Northeast-Far East project formats.
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Naryshkin: cooperation between the EAEU and China provides prerequisites for "Greater Eurasia"
Development of China and Russia is inseparable from the development of the Eurasian continent, and China and Russia, as examples of sustainable developing states stimulate the development of Eurasia, in turn. In May of this year, President Putin from the rostrum of the International Cooperation Forum "The Belt and The Road" in Beijing, expressed Russia's support and readiness to participate in the realization of the "The Belt and The Road" initiative. Currently, two countries are intensively cooperating to connect the creation of the "One Belt and One Road" with EAEU, negotiations on conclusion of the contract on trade and economic cooperation between China and EAEU is in process as well as development of the number of joint projects that open up new vast horizons for the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, simplify mutual trade and investments in great extent, create unique opportunities for interaction between business communities of both countries in order to provide the effective transfer of industries, technologies, capitals and markets, and make the benefits of economic globalization and regional integration available to all countries of Eurasia.
In the context of cooperation on major projects, it is expedient to promote comprehensive cooperation in the energy sector both upstream and downstream. Large-scale strategic projects are the cornerstones of trade and economic cooperation between China and Russia, the synergy and strategic effect of which cannot be assessed with digital indicators only. Cooperation in the fields of joint development, joint production, as well as in implementation and application should develop more actively.
As for development of transport communications, we welcome Russian proposal on development and construction of international transport corridors in Primorye Territory and are ready to participate in it. We are interested in soon completion of significant cross-border infrastructure facilities, including Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway bridge and Heihe-Blagoveshchensk road bridge. Also we are committed to the joint development and exploration of sea corridors, primarily on the Northern Sea Route, in order to create the Ice Silk Road. The listed joint projects aimed to strengthen relations in the field of transport communications will undoubtedly give an additional impetus to further development of trade and economic cooperation between two countries.
Small and medium business is an important platform of country's economic growth, as well as a positive factor for stimulating social innovations and providing jobs for population. Governments of our countries should provide favorable conditions for cooperation between small and medium-sized businesses in order to stimulate interest, so that both small and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises develop in parallel, complement each other and jointly tapped markets of third countries.
In brief, I am agree with President Putin that China and Russia should deepen economic and trade cooperation, promote common interests, paying thorough attention possible prospects, develop a trend towards expanding openness, support mutually beneficial cooperation, focus on improving common stability and stimulate international competitiveness of two countries for the benefit of our peoples.
- In May of this year, International Cooperation Summit "One Belt, One Road" was successfully held under your chairmanship. So how can you assess its results? How would you describe the prospects for cooperation on this initiative? How do you see the role of Russia in the implementation of the project "One Belt, One Road"?
— "One Belt, One Road" Initiative was announced by me during my visits to Central and Southeast Asia in 2013. It is foreseen to link national development strategies by strengthening international cooperation for promotion of complementarity and sustainable coordinated development. Over the past 4 years, cooperation within the framework of the project "One Belt, One Road" made a significant progress and attracted a lot of supporters and partners have. The first solid results are already evident, having determined a prerequisite for the next International Cooperation Forum "One Belt, One Road" in Beijing, where all project related achievements will be summarized and the plan of the future actions will be prepared. The forum was attended by the state and government leaders from 29 countries, management representatives of the UN, World Bank and IMF, as well as more than 1,600 participants from more than 140 countries and 80 international organizations. Under the slogan "Expanding international cooperation in the framework of joint implementation of the project "One Belt, One Road" for purpose of mutually beneficial development", extensive discussions were held on such issues as political integration, alignment of development strategies, deepening of partnership, promoting complex interconnectedness and intensifying humanitarian and cultural exchanges. Having considered the course of interaction within the framework of the project "One Belt, One Road", the forum participants came to a broad mutual understanding. As a result, more than 270 concrete results were achieved and distributed into 76 groups, which were also combined into 5 areas, which indicates a positive attitude towards creating a platform for cooperation in determining factors driving world economic growth and raising confidence in the course of economic globalization.
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Putin: "One Belt, One Road" project brings stability to global economy
For the practical application of the results of the forum, in deference to the principles of "joint consultations, joint construction and mutual joint use", we will stimulate political contacts, promote integration of infrastructure and communications, develop uninterrupted trade relations, free circulation of capital and spiritual rapprochement of peoples. In this context, it is important to strengthen political coordination and alignment of development strategies, give priority to interconnectedness, support the accelerated creation of economic corridors, promote international cooperation on production capacities and equipment, increase cooperation in education, science and technology sectors, as well as in culture and health. Our goal is to work together to reveal new incentives for economic growth in the interest of universal development, creating thereby human common destiny community,
Let me remind that President Putin was the first to accept my invitation, and this is perceived as a serious support of our initiative from Russian side clearly indicating the high level of Chinese-Russian relations. In May 2015, China and Russia reached important agreements on interlinking the project "One Belt, One Road" with the EAEU, which received positive feedback from other EAEU members. Over the past two years, interlinking activities has been very consistent and efficient. We are ready, within the framework of interlinking activities to combine joint efforts together with our Russian partners for further development of relations between our countries.
— Could you briefly introduce the economic situation in China? What do you expect from the G20 summit in Hamburg?
- Since the beginning of the year, Chinese economy has shown moderately positive dynamics, same as in the second half of last year. Thus, for the first quarter, GDP grew by 6.9% - it is a good start. It was achieved due to structural reforms in key areas and sectors, new drivers were introduced along with the transformation of traditional ones, and this determined steady and relatively rapid economic growth in the country.
Today, the upward trend of global economy is growing stronger, and economic situation is improving both in developed countries and in emerging markets. Despite this, there are some serious challenges. In such conditions G20 should continue to work as a key forum for international economic cooperation, implementing agreements reached in Hangzhou and during all previous summits, and determine the vector of development of the world economy. This is not only extremely important, but also serve the interests of all parties. We expect from the Hamburg summit some changes as follows
First, G20 stays committed to the spirit of mutual benefit and partnership, remaining "in the same boat." Keeping this mindset, G20 has endured the hardships of global financial crises and, certainly, will continue to determine activity of the Group in its leading role in global economic development. At the reception at the Hangzhou summit, I said: as long as we express mutual tolerance and are readiness to help each other, then nothing can stop us from moving forward.
As the driving force of global economy, the G20 must keep strong belief in principles of openness and development, support the idea of formation of the multilateral trading system under the auspices of the World Trade Organization
Second, G20 must continue to pursue the idea of "development of an open world economy." As the driving force of global economy, the G20 must keep strong belief in principles of openness and development, support the idea of formation of the multilateral trading system under the auspices of the World Trade Organization
Third, the G20 continues to search for development model based on innovations and effective long-term management. It is important to search for new impetus for global economic growth through innovation, promote the development of the digital economy and the new industrial revolution, increase investment in infrastructure development, through comprehensive application of fiscal and monetary policies, and also using structural transformations, stimulate dynamic, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth of the global economy.
The theme of International Cooperation Forum "The Belt and The Road, which was successfully held in Beijing in May, perfectly matches the theme of the upcoming summit in Hamburg, named "Creating an interconnected world." The Belt and The Road Initiative and G20 are connected by commitment to the concept of complementarity and the common goal of global economic development. China is ready to support partners with its contribution to growth of the global economy and improvement of global economic management within the framework of the Hamburg Summit.
— For a long time it was not possible to deescalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and this issue still remains in the center of attention of international community. What solution of the problem China can offer? How China consider the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in South Korea?
- The Chinese party is keeping close eye on the situation on the peninsula, adheres to the course of denuclearization, ensuring peace and stability on the peninsula, and insists on resolving the crisis exclusively through dialogue and consultations. The problem of the peninsula has a long history and is extremely complicated, it requires the elimination of both causes and consequences, always taking into account the rational concerns of all parties involved. In this regard, the Chinese party suggested a "double-track parallel approach", meaning the parallel promotion of denuclearization and peace preserving mechanism, as well as the idea of a "double freezing" of the DPRK's nuclear and missile activities and large-scale joint trainings of United States and Republic of Korea. The Russian side expressed absolute agreement with our ideas on this issue Coordinated approaches and activity of China and Russia are attracting more and more supporters from the global community. We keep a strong hope that the parties involved will give positive response to efforts of China and Russia aimed at reconciliation and facilitation of negotiations, fulfill its obligations, show goodwill and consider interests and needs o other parties, which is very important for the operative transition of the peninsula problem towards settlement through dialogue and consultations.
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US troops in South Korea have confirmed that THAAD was put on alert.
The US deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in South Korea will cause serious damage to the strategic security interests of countries in the region, including China and Russia, upset the strategic balance of the region, and will not contribute neither denuclearization of the peninsula nor maintaining stability and peace in the region. The Chinese Party has already expressed strong protest and serious concerns on this issue. China and Russia keep close contact and coordination at all levels concerning the THAAD issue, both countries have an identical understanding of its essence and harmfulness. Both parties are strictly opposite to the deployment of the US THAAD system in the Republic of Korea, and urge the relevant parties to stop its deployment and reverse the decision. China and Russia will take relevant measures jointly or separately to protect the security of two countries and maintain the strategic balance in the region.
- The Syrian issue attracts a lot of attention from the international community, how to solve this problem, according to China? How do you assess the role of the Russian party in the Syrian conflict?
- At the moment, the Syrian issue is perhaps the most complex and confusing hot point in the Middle East. It not only makes Syrian people suffer, but also seriously threatens peace and stability in the region and in the world as a whole.
China's position on the settlement of the Syrian issue remains unchanged: it is necessary to ensure and respect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. The future of Syria should be chosen by the Syrian people themselves, but political settlement always leave no any alternative. We sincerely look forward to a speedy proper settlement of the Syrian issue, to soonest realisation of the Syrian people's dreams about peace and meeting with their families.
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Syrian troops, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces, liberated about 70 settlements in June
Recently, there has been a certain positive trend in settlement of the Syrian conflict. The parties involved signed a memorandum in Astana and approved creation of de-escalation zones in Syria. The negotiation process under the auspices of the UN continues at regular meetings in Geneva. With regard to the current situation, we consider it important to maintain the dynamics of political settlement, which was not easy to achieve, to strengthen the central role of the UN in mediation, to encourage Damascus and opposition to show goodwill and patience in order to find a political solution, taking into account rational concerns of all the parties involved. At the same time, it is required to intensify coordination join efforts in order to conduct an effective fight against terroristic forces in Syria within the framework of international law.
The Russian side is playing a significant and positive role in the Syrian settlement, and we appreciate this.
“Terrorism is a real threat to global security and development. Which characteristic you can give to cooperation between China and Russia in the fight against the three evil forces?
- At present, the global situation in terrorism countering is undergoing profound transformations, international terroristic activity was not stopped, and even accelerating. Since the beginning of the year, a series of terrible terrorist attacks have taken place in many countries, and caused tremendous sacrifices. Although the global community has achieved some success in military actions against terrorism, but, apparently, global terrorist activity is still exist and intensify and increasingly affecting peace, stability and development around the world. Countering this evil is still a burning issue in global security management.
In the face of the real threat of terror, the countries of the world are becoming more aware of the need for a community of a common destiny, points of contact in the fight against terrorism are multiplying, and significant shifts in cooperation are outlined. Nevertheless, the problem remains much more acute: firstly, terrorism is intertwined with hot spots, which has led to paradoxical results - the more you fight, the more terroristic attacks occur. Secondly, international terroristic organizations are calling for and planning to provoke more terroristic attacks around the world. Thirdly, terroristic ideology is constantly spreading through Internet and social media, causing very detrimental consequenses that sometimes we can see. Fourth, individual countries, as before, promote their own interests through the fight against terrorism, apply double standards on the issue of anti-terror, which inevitably leads to the instrumentalization and fragmentation of global anti-terrorist cooperation, making it difficult to unite efforts in the fight against terrorism.
In the face of the real threat of terror, the countries of the world are becoming more aware of the need for a community of a common destiny, points of contact in the fight against terrorism are multiplying, and significant shifts in cooperation are outlined.
China has been always supporting efforts of the international community to fight terrorism in a constructive manner. We consider it important to develop international cooperation taking into account concerns, described below. First, it is necessary to abandon double standards, to fully reveal the central role of the UN in the international fight against terrorism, to consolidate all the ideas and all the efforts together. Second, to properly resolve the issues of regional hot spots, to assist Syria and other countries in the Middle East in restoration of stability as soon as possible, and curb rampant terrorism. Third, orientation should be towards the future, also take comprehensive measures, both palliative and radical, in the sphere of politics, economics, and culture in order to eradicate the breeding ground for the emergence of terrorism.
China and Russia are suffering from terrorism. Cooperation on the issue of countering terrorism is an important component of the Chinese-Russian comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, and serves as a brilliant example of the international anti-terrorism cooperation. This not only meets the fundamental interests of two countries, but also benefits the peace and stability of the region and the whole world. China and Russia, within the framework of the bilateral law enforcement and mechanism of cooperation with intelligence services and cooperation , maintain fruitful cooperation in combating three main evil forces - terrorism, separatism and extremism, and play an important positive role in maintaining stability and development of two countries and the entire region. We are ready to deepen bilateral practical cooperation with Russian partners, strengthen mutual support on each other's key concerns in the fight against terrorism, intensify coordination and interaction in multilateral platforms such as the UN and the SCO, support the central role of the UN in international anti-terroristic cooperation, deepen cooperation within the SCO and other structures in the field of security and fight against terror, and thereby contribute to a new breakthrough in the anti-terroristic cooperation of the international community.


Source: tass.ru