Xi & Putin Deepen Ties to Combat US Policy of 'Dual Containment'
Today’s newsletter and paper are basically all about Xi Jinping’s visit to Moscow. In this edition, I have covered the readouts available from both sides and two of the three joint declarations that were issued. I thought I’d share some thoughts before you dig into the material:
Xi and Putin are meeting at a time when Chinese and Russia-made military equipment systems are being deployed in clashes between India and Pakistan. Of course, there are imports of weapons from other countries as well that are reportedly being used. One would assume that Russia, China and other countries are watching the performance of rival weapons systems against each other. The weapons systems that are being used are indicative of some of the divergences in Russian and Chinese partnerships in this region. In addition, the situation between India and Pakistan also underscores the challenges that groupings like the SCO face.
Anyway, back to Xi and Putin, I think this visit further underscores the all-round nature of this partnership. Both sides view the relationship as mutually beneficial in itself and they have a shared threat-perception with regard to the US. The joint statement explicitly talks about the US pursuing a policy of “dual containment against China and Russia”. It also says that the “ the US and its allies are attempting to advance NATO’s eastward expansion to the Asia-Pacific.” In response, there is a framework that is presented for coordinated efforts by Russia and China.
This excerpt is truly striking in this context: “Both sides point out that one of the strategic risks urgently needing elimination is the expansion of military alliances by certain nuclear-weapon states in sensitive regions surrounding other nuclear-weapon states, exerting military pressure or implementing hostile actions that threaten the fundamental security interests of other countries.”
Other key things that bring them together is that two sides doubled down on “military and military-technical cooperation”. We see an emphasis on “cultural sovereignty”. I also thought the bit about have “shared external positions in the global media space” is significant.
Okay, so let’s get to today’s paper.
Xi Jinping met with Vladimir Putin yesterday for limited scale and broad-based talks 小范围、大范围会谈. The report says:
“Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, with joint efforts from both sides, China-Russia relations have maintained a stable, healthy, and high-level development trend. Long-term good neighbourliness, friendship, mutually beneficial cooperation, and win-win outcomes have become distinctive characteristics of the relationship between the two countries. The foundation of political mutual trust between the two countries has grown increasingly deep, the bonds of practical cooperation have become increasingly tight, and cultural exchanges and local interactions have become increasingly vibrant. China-Russia relations in the new era are more composed and confident, stable and resilient. History and reality fully prove that continuously developing and deepening China-Russia relations is the proper meaning of carrying forward the generational friendship between the peoples of the two countries, is the inevitable choice for mutual achievement and promoting each other’s development and revitalisation, and is also the call of the times for defending international fairness and justice and advancing the reform of the global governance system.” 习近平指出，近年来，在双方共同努力下，中俄关系保持稳定、健康、高水平发展态势，长期睦邻友好、互利合作共赢成为两国关系的鲜明特征。两国政治互信根基越扎越深，务实合作纽带越系越牢，人文交流和地方交往越来越红火，新时代的中俄关系更加从容自信、稳定坚韧。历史和现实充分证明，持续发展和深化中俄关系，是传承两国人民世代友好的应有之义，是双方彼此成就、促进各自发展振兴的必然选择，也是捍卫国际公平正义、推进全球治理体系改革的时代呼唤.
“Xi Jinping emphasised that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, and the World Anti-Fascist War. Eighty years ago, the peoples of China and Russia made enormous sacrifices and won great victories, making historic contributions to maintaining world peace and human progress that are recorded in the annals of history. At present, facing the countercurrent of unilateralism and acts of power and bullying in the international arena, the Chinese side will, together with the Russian side, shoulder the special responsibility of being major powers in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, take up the responsibility with firm resolve, jointly promote the correct view of World War II history, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, firmly defend the outcomes of the victory of World War II, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia, and the vast number of developing countries, and work hand in hand to promote a more equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.” 习近平强调，今年是中国人民抗日战争、苏联伟大卫国战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。80年前，中俄两国人民付出巨大牺牲，赢得伟大胜利，为维护世界和平和人类进步事业作出彪炳史册的历史贡献。当前，面对国际上的单边主义逆流和强权霸凌行径，中方将同俄方一道，肩负起作为世界大国和联合国安理会常任理事国的特殊责任，挺膺担当，共同弘扬正确二战史观，维护联合国权威和地位，坚定捍卫二战胜利成果，坚决捍卫中俄两国及广大发展中国家权益，携手推动平等有序的世界多极化、普惠包容的经济全球化.
The report adds that both Xi and Putin listened to reports from officials of relevant departments from both countries regarding cooperation in various fields.
“Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Russia should adhere to the general direction of cooperation, eliminate external interference, and make the foundation of ‘stability’ in cooperation more solid and the momentum of ‘progress’ more abundant. Both sides should leverage the complementary advantages of the two countries’ resource endowments and industrial systems, expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation in fields such as trade and economy, energy, agriculture, aerospace, artificial intelligence, etc.; use the alignment of BRI and the Eurasian Economic Union as a platform to build a high-standard interconnection pattern; fully release the potential of the ‘China-Russia Cultural Years’, strengthen cooperation in education, film, tourism, sports, local exchanges and other areas to promote deep-level people-to-people connections; closely coordinate and collaborate on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, SCO, BRICS and others, unite the Global South, adhere to true multilateralism, and lead the correct direction of global governance reform. Xi Jinping emphasised that China is comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation. We have the determination and confidence to overcome various risks and challenges. No matter how the external environment changes, China will firmly manage its own affairs well. China is willing to work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities entrusted by the times, maintain the global multilateral trading system and the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and make greater contributions to promoting the development and revitalization of both countries and maintaining international fairness and justice.” 习近平指出，中俄双方要坚持合作大方向，排除外部干扰，让合作“稳”的基础更坚实、“进”的动能更充足。要发挥两国资源禀赋和产业体系互补优势，拓展经贸、能源、农业、航空航天、人工智能等领域高质量互利合作；以共建“一带一路”和欧亚经济联盟对接为平台，构建高标准互联互通格局；充分释放“中俄文化年”潜能，加强教育、电影、旅游、体育、地方等合作，促进深层次民心相通；密切在联合国、上海合作组织、金砖国家等多边平台协调和配合，团结全球南方，坚持真正的多边主义，引领全球治理变革正确方向。习近平强调，中国正在以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业。我们有决心和信心战胜各种风险挑战。无论外部环境如何变化，中国都将坚定办好自己的事。中方愿同俄方一道，承担起时代赋予的特殊责任，维护全球多边贸易体制和产业链供应链稳定畅通，为促进两国发展振兴、维护国际公平正义作出更大贡献。
Xinhua’s report then covers Putin’s comments:
Putin said that Russia-China relations are built on the basis of mutual equality and mutual respect, are not directed against third parties, and are not affected by any particular temporary matter. It is Russia’s strategic choice to unswervingly promote the development of Russia-China relations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Russia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and always supports China’s position on the Taiwan issue. Russia is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, strengthen practical cooperation in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, science and technology and other fields, deepen people-to-people exchanges in education, culture, youth, tourism and other areas, and expand the content of cooperation in the Far East region. Imposing high tariffs defies common sense, is also illegal, and will only backfire. Both sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the UN, SCO, BRICS and others, support the process of world multi-polarisation, jointly oppose unilateralism, oppose the abuse of sanctions, oppose bloc confrontation, and safeguard the common interests of the international community. 普京表示，俄中关系建立在相互平等、相互尊重基础上，不针对第三方，不受一时一事影响。坚定不移推动俄中关系发展、扩大互利合作是俄方战略选择。俄方坚定奉行一个中国原则，在台湾问题上始终支持中方立场。俄方愿同中方保持密切高层交往，加强贸易、投资、能源、农业、科技等领域务实合作，深化教育、文化、青年、旅游等人文交流，拓展远东地区合作内涵。加征高关税违背常理，也不合法，只会反噬自身。双方要加强在联合国、上海合作组织、金砖国家等多边框架内的协调和配合，支持世界多极化进程，共同反对单边主义，反对滥施制裁，反对集团对抗，维护国际社会共同利益.
Putin said that both Russia and China made enormous sacrifices in the World Anti-Fascist War. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people fought bravely and achieved great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, making significant contributions to the victory in World War II. Russia and China supported each other during the difficult years of war, forging a deep friendship that laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations. Both sides should uphold the authority of the United Nations and international law, maintain the correct historical narrative of World War II, defend international fairness and justice, and jointly create a better future for both countries and the world. 普京表示，俄中两国在世界反法西斯战争中都付出巨大牺牲。在中国共产党坚强领导下，中国人民英勇奋战，取得了抗日战争的伟大胜利，为二战胜利作出重大贡献。俄中两国在艰苦的战争岁月中相互支持，结下深厚友谊，为双边关系发展奠定坚实基础。双方要维护联合国和国际法权威，维护二战正确历史叙事，捍卫国际公平正义，共同开创两国和世界更加美好的未来.
The two sides signed a joint statement on further deepening China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. They also signed some 20 deals, covering areas like global strategic stability, maintaining the authority of international law, biosecurity, investment protection, digital economy, quarantine, and film cooperation.
This is the list of agreements:
Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Global Strategic Stability
The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Promotion and Mutual Protection of Investment
Letters of understanding between the two governments on measures, the introduction of which is regulated by the World Trade Organisation rules on national security exceptions, general exceptions, and prudential measures.
Interdepartmental documents concerning biological safety, cooperation in digital transformation and the digital economy; creation and development of megascience research facilities; combating infectious diseases; and cooperation in building a lunar power station for the International Scientific Lunar Station were signed among other documents.
A package of documents signed concerns cooperation between Russian and Chinese universities and between media outlets, in particular, cooperation between the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, the Xinhua News Agency, and the China Media Group.
A Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between Russia’s Movement of the First youth organisation and the Chinese Youth Federation (2025–2026).
I’ll get to the joint statements later. Another report on the page informs of a tea conversation between Xi and Putin.
“Xi Jinping pointed out that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. As long as China and Russia maintain strategic determination and strategic cooperation, then no force can stop the two countries from achieving their respective development and rejuvenation, cannot stop the will of the people for China-Russia friendship from generation to generation, and cannot stop the trend of the times toward a multipolar world and economic globalization. I am willing to maintain close contact with President Putin, to steer and guide China-Russia relations, and to make a positive contribution to promoting global governance. Putin said that Russia and China have always been in the same boat, supporting each other, and the friendship between the two countries is unbreakable. I am willing to maintain close strategic communication with President Xi Jinping to provide strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, jointly respond to the challenges of complex international situations, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, safeguard the common interests of the two countries, and promote the development of the world toward justice, democracy, and multipolarity.” 习近平指出，世界进入新的动荡变革期。只要中俄保持战略定力，坚持战略协作，就任何力量也阻挡不了两国实现各自发展振兴，阻挡不了中俄世代友好的民心所向，阻挡不了世界多极化和经济全球化的时代潮流。我愿同普京总统保持紧密联系，为中俄关系定向领航，为推动全球治理作出积极贡献。普京表示，俄中始终同舟共济、相互支持，两国友谊牢不可破。我愿同习近平主席保持密切战略沟通，为两国关系发展提供战略指引，共同应对国际复杂形势挑战，深化全面战略协作，维护两国共同利益，推动世界向公正、民主、多极化方向发展.
“The two heads of state exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other issues. Xi Jinping pointed out that regarding the Ukraine crisis, China advocates and adheres to a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable global security concept, believing that the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be addressed and the root causes of the crisis should be eliminated. China welcomes all efforts conducive to peace and looks forward to reaching a fair, lasting, binding peace agreement that is accepted by all parties through dialogue. Putin highly appreciates China’s objective and fair position on the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis, stating that Russia is willing to start peace talks without preconditions and hopes to reach a fair and lasting peace agreement”. 当地时间5月8日下午，俄罗斯总统普京同中国国家主席习近平在克里姆林宫总统办公室进行茶叙。两国元首就乌克兰危机等问题交换意见。习近平指出，对乌克兰危机，中方倡导并坚持共同、综合、合作、可持续的全球安全观，认为应重视各国合理安全关切，消除产生危机的根源。中方欢迎一切有利于和平的努力，期待通过对话达成一个公平、持久、有约束力并被各当事方所接受的和平协议。普京高度赞赏中方在政治解决乌克兰危机问题上的客观公正立场，表示俄方愿不设前提条件开启和谈，希望达成公正、持久的和平协议.
The final report on the page is the Chinese readout of Xi’s comments during the press briefing:
“Xi Jinping stressed that Russia is the country I have visited most as the President of the People’s Republic of China. This is my 11th visit to Russia. Tomorrow, I will attend the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. This will be my first time attending this grand commemorative event in 10 years. The past 10 years have been a decade of great turbulence and transformation in the international situation, and also a decade of great development and leaps in China-Russia relations. We have jointly witnessed the continuous consolidation and deepening of political mutual trust between China and Russia, and witnessed ‘sesame flowers blooming higher and higher’ (step by step progress, building upon each stage -芝麻开花节节高) in cooperation across various fields between the two countries. Facing the changes in the world, the changes of the times, and the changes in history, China and Russia must firmly grasp the forward direction of bilateral relations and the general trend of human society’s development, step forward courageously, collaborate comprehensively, and make new and greater contributions to promoting the development and revitalisation of both countries and maintaining international fairness and justice. 习近平强调，俄罗斯是我作为中华人民共和国主席到访最多的国家，这已经是第十一次来到俄罗斯。明天，我将出席纪念苏联伟大卫国战争胜利80周年庆典，这也将是我时隔10年再次出席这一盛大纪念活动。过去10年，是国际形势大动荡大变革的10年，也是中俄关系大发展大跨越的10年。我们共同见证了中俄两国政治互信不断巩固和深化，见证了两国各领域合作“芝麻开花节节高”。面对世界之变、时代之变、历史之变，中俄两国要牢牢把握双边关系前进方向和人类社会发展大势，挺膺担当，全面协作，为促进两国发展振兴、维护国际公平正义作出新的更大贡献.
Xi then made four points:
Strengthen the generational friendship: He called for the two sides to “deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic cooperation, and promote bilateral relations to a more mature and resilient tomorrow.”
Adhere to mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and be good partners who achieve success together. From overcoming difficulties to transport large quantities of urgently needed supplies to each other during WWII, to the bilateral trade volume repeatedly reaching new highs today, the ‘high-speed train’ of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Russia has traversed mountains and ridges, climbed slopes and crossed barriers, traveling through an extraordinary journey. China and Russia should continue to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, consolidate the material foundation of comprehensive strategic coordination, continuously benefit the peoples of both countries, and inject stronger momentum into global development. 要坚持互利共赢，做彼此成就的好伙伴。从第二次世界大战期间克服艰难险阻互相输送大量急需物资，到如今双边贸易额屡创新高，中俄互利合作的“高速列车”穿山越岭、爬坡过坎，驶过了极不平凡的历程。中俄双方要继续深化各领域务实合作，夯实全面战略协作的物质基础，不断造福两国人民，为全球发展注入更强劲动能.
Adhere to fairness and justice, and be defenders of the international order. As the main battlefields in Asia and Europe during WWII, China and Russia made decisive contributions to the victory of the world’s anti-fascist war, and also laid the cornerstone for the establishment of the post-war international order. As stable, positive, and progressive forces in the international community, China and Russia should continue to stand firmly together, resolutely safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and continuously promote an equal and orderly world multi-polarization. 要坚持公平正义，做国际秩序的捍卫者。中国和俄罗斯作为第二次世界大战的亚洲和欧洲主战场，为世界反法西斯战争胜利作出决定性贡献，也为战后国际秩序的建立奠定了基石。作为国际社会的稳定、积极、进步力量，中俄两国要继续坚定站在一起，坚决维护以联合国为核心的国际体系和以国际法为基础的国际秩序，持续推进平等有序的世界多极化.
Adhere to solidarity and mutual assistance, and be leaders in global governance. The future and destiny of the world should be jointly decided by all countries, and the fruits of global development should be shared by all countries. As major countries in the world and important emerging market nations, China and Russia both shoulder the lofty mission of promoting global governance in a more just and reasonable direction. Both sides must strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS, uphold true multilateralism, lead global governance in the right direction, and promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. 要坚持和衷共济，做全球治理的引领者。世界前途命运应该由各国共同掌握，全球发展成果应该由各国共同分享。中俄同为世界大国和重要新兴市场国家，都肩负着推动全球治理向更加公正合理方向发展的崇高使命。双方要加强在联合国、上海合作组织、金砖国家等多边平台的协作，坚守真正的多边主义，引领全球治理正确方向，推动普惠包容的经济全球化。
Xi emphasised that in the face of a complex and intertwined international situation of changes and turmoil, China and Russia should firmly uphold the spirit of permanent good-neighbourliness, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results, weather the storms together, and comprehensively enhance the height, dimension, and resilience of China-Russia relations, inject more stability into world peace and security, and provide stronger impetus for global development and prosperity. 习近平强调，面对变乱交织的国际形势，中俄两国要坚定秉持永久睦邻友好、全面战略协作、互利合作共赢精神，风雨同渡、关山共越，全面提升中俄关系的高度、维度、韧度，为世界和平和安全注入更多稳定性，为全球发展繁荣提供更强推动力.
The Russian readout of Putin’s comments says:
Bilateral “relations have reached the highest level in history, being self-sufficient and independent from internal political factors or momentary global agendas. The comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between Russia and China are built on the unshakable principles of equality, mutual support and assistance, as well as the unbreakable friendship between the two states and two nations. I want to emphasise that Mr Xi Jinping and I personally control all aspects of Russia-China partnership and do all we can to expand the cooperation on bilateral issues and the international agenda alike.”
Trade has reached $245 billion. About 90 top priority Russian-Chinese projects worth about $200 billion are being implemented or in development, covering such areas as industrial production, transport, logistics, agriculture, and mining.
Nearly all Russian-Chinese trade transactions are now carried out in rubles and yuan. “In effect, a stable and resilient mutual trade system has been established — one that is reliably shielded from the influence of third countries and adverse fluctuations in global markets.”
“The Power of Siberia gas pipeline has now reached its full design capacity, with 31 billion cubic metres of natural gas delivered to our Chinese partners. Gazprom consistently meets the requests of its Chinese counterparts, regularly supplying volumes beyond those stipulated in the contractual obligations. The launch of the Far Eastern Gas Pipeline scheduled for 2027 will increase Russian gas exports by another 10 billion cubic metres.”
“Rosatom is building Russian-designed power units at the Tianwan NPP and the Xudapu NPP. Their commissioning will make a significant contribution to the energy supply of the Chinese economy, helping supply Chinese enterprises and households with inexpensive and clean energy, thus improving the environmental situation in large Chinese cities.”
“Large Chinese car producers, manufacturers of industrial equipment, microelectronics, and household appliances are expanding their presence in the Russian market; large-scale joint projects are being implemented in non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical and cellulose industries, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, space development, and many other knowledge-intensive areas.”
“In 2024, 1.6 million Russian citizens visited the People’s Republic of China, while approximately 1.2 million Chinese nationals travelled to the Russian Federation. There are 21,000 Russian students in China, and 51,000 Chinese students in our country. More than 160 bilateral educational programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students are available in Russian and Chinese. There are 27 joint education institutions, including the flagship Joint Russian-Chinese University created by Lomonosov Moscow State University jointly with the Beijing Institute of Technology. There are 12 inter-university associations that unite about 600 education institutions in the two countries.”
“When addressing crucial international and regional issues, we reaffirmed that Russia and China maintain identical or highly aligned positions. The two countries pursue independent foreign policies and are interested in creating a more just and democratic multipolar world order. As you know, the United Nations marks the 80th anniversary this year. Russia and China both believe that the UN and its Security Council ought to continue playing the central role in global affairs, while all the issues and problems on the global and regional agendas must be addressed in compliance with the UN Charter and international law, with due account for the interests of all international community members with respect for the cultural and civilisational diversity.”
The full joint statement is available on page 2. This is the “Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Deepening the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation in the New Era to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the People of China’s Victory over Japanese Aggression, and the Establishment of the United Nations.”
The first section of this document deals with the history of WWII and upholding the post-war order. It says that “China and Russia shoulder the common responsibility and mission of upholding a correct view of the history of World War II.” 当今世界，中国和俄罗斯肩负维护正确二战史观的共同责任和使命. It adds that “the two sides will firmly defend the victory outcomes of the Second World War, resolutely crush any attempts to distort the history of the war, to belittle or erase the historical contributions of China and Russia in the war, or to tarnish the image of the liberators, and strongly condemn acts that desecrate or destroy memorials to WWII martyrs.” 双方将坚定捍卫第二次世界大战胜利成果，坚决粉碎任何企图篡改二战历史、贬低和抹杀中俄二战历史功绩、抹黑解放者形象的行径，强烈谴责亵渎或损毁二战烈士纪念设施的行为.
“Both sides pointed out that the Japanese government should draw lessons from the brutal crimes it committed in history, be cautious in words and deeds on historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, and completely cut off ties with militarism, which has brought profound disasters to people around the world and Japan itself.” 双方指出，日本政府应从其在历史上犯下的残暴罪行中汲取教训，在靖国神社等历史问题上谨言慎行，同曾经给世界各国人民和日本自身带来深重灾难的军国主义彻底切割.
The second section of the document says that at present, China-Russia relations have reached the highest level in history and continue to develop steadily and in all directions, setting an example for building a new type of international relations and becoming a model of cooperation between major powers and large neighbours. 当前，在双方共同努力下，中俄关系达到历史最高水平，并持续稳定全方位向前发展，树立构建新型国际关系的表率，并成为当今世界大国和互为最大邻国合作的典范.
“Over the long term, China and Russia have established broad common interests, and the overall development goals of the two countries are mutually aligned, constituting a solid foundation for cooperation in all fields. China-Russia relations have unique strategic value and strong endogenous driving force; they are not directed at any third party and are not subject to third-party influence. Facing the intertwined international situation of turbulence and change, the two sides will maintain strategic determination, always regard each other as priority partners, and jointly resist any attempt to interfere with and undermine the traditional friendship and deep mutual trust between China and Russia, help each other's development and revitalization, and inject stability and positive energy into the world. Both sides firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability, resolutely oppose any external forces’ attempts to obstruct the normal development of bilateral relations or interfere in the internal affairs of the two countries, defend the right to independently choose the development path, and support each other in protecting cultural and historical identities and traditional moral values.
The Russian side reiterated its adherence to the one-China principle, recognizing that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China. The Russian side opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ and firmly supports the measures taken by the Chinese government to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and realize national reunification. The Chinese side supports the Russian side in safeguarding national security and stability, development and prosperity, and sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes external forces interfering in Russia’s internal affairs. The two sides will take head-of-state diplomacy as the lead, fully implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to maintain close high-level exchanges, and ensure the high-level functioning of communication mechanisms between governments, legislative bodies, and political parties. The two sides reaffirm that the close relationship between the Chinese and Russian militaries has special significance, contributing to more effectively defending the sovereignty and national interests of both countries and responding to traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges. The two sides will continue to strengthen military and military-technical cooperation, benefit the peoples of China and Russia, and safeguard global and regional security. The two sides will further deepen military mutual trust and coordination, expand the scale and scope of joint military exercises, regularly organize joint maritime and aerial patrols, enhance exchanges and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, and promote China-Russia military cooperation to a higher level.”
长期以来，中俄形成广泛的共同利益，两国总体发展目标相互契合，构成双方各领域合作的牢固基石。中俄关系具有独特战略价值和强大内生动力，不针对第三方，也不受制于第三方。面对变乱交织的国际形势，双方将保持战略定力，始终视彼此为优先合作伙伴，共同抵制任何干扰破坏中俄传统友谊和深度互信的图谋，为各自发展振兴助力，为世界注入稳定性和正能量。双方坚定支持彼此维护国家主权、领土完整、安全和稳定，坚决反对任何外部势力阻挠两国关系正常发展、干涉两国内部事务的企图，捍卫自主选择发展道路的权利，支持彼此保护文化历史认同和传统道德价值观。俄方重申恪守一个中国原则，承认世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中华人民共和国不可分割的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。俄方反对任何形式的“台湾独立”，坚定支持中国政府维护国家主权和领土完整、实现国家统一所采取的举措。中方支持俄方维护本国安全稳定、发展繁荣、主权和领土完整，反对外部势力干涉俄罗斯内政。双方将以元首外交为引领，全面贯彻落实两国元首达成的重要共识，继续保持密切高层交往，保障政府、立法机构及党际间交往机制高水平运行。双方重申，中俄两军保持紧密关系具有特殊意义，有助于两国更加有力捍卫主权和国家利益、有效应对传统和非传统威胁与挑战。双方将继续加强军事军技合作，造福中俄两国人民，维护全球和地区安全。双方将进一步深化军事互信与协作，扩大联合军事演习活动规模和范围，定期组织海上、空中联合巡航，加强双边及多边框架下交流合作，推动中俄军事合作向更高水平发展。中方重视并精心维护在抗日战争中牺牲的苏军烈士纪念设施，俄方对此高度评价。双方强调，修缮维护二战牺牲烈士纪念设施具有重要意义，将继续在搜寻烈士和失踪人员遗骸以及完善相关法律法规基础等方面开展合作。
Section three deals with economic engagement. It says that the two sides agreed to
Promote the steady development of bilateral trade and optimize the trade structure by increasing the proportion of high-tech products, developing innovative e-commerce models, and supplying basic materials, mineral resources and agricultural products to each other.
Deepen investment cooperation. A new agreement to this effect has been inked.
Consolidate cooperation in the fields of oil, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, civil nuclear energy, coal, electricity, renewable energy, etc.
Improve the level of financial cooperation, expand inter-bank transactions, strengthen local currency settlement, and deepen cooperation in the fields of insurance, credit rating agencies and securities.
Improve the construction of infrastructure at China-Russia border ports, improve the efficiency of passenger and freight transportation, port inspection efficiency and customs clearance capacity…strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation on the Arctic route.
Strengthen industrial cooperation…
Deepen the potential of scientific and technological cooperation, expand new cooperation directions in the fields of innovation, basic research and applied research, regularly carry out joint scientific and technological project selection, implement scientific research projects, and support new scientific and technological cooperation models.
Comprehensively deepen practical cooperation in various fields. such as economy and trade, customs, agriculture, transportation, finance, industry, environmental protection, aerospace and satellite navigation, nuclear energy, urban construction, health, information and communication technology, and effectively ensure that bilateral cooperation is upgraded by 2030.
——通过提升高科技产品比重，发展电子商务创新模式，相互供应基础材料、矿产资源和农产品等，推动双边贸易平稳发展，优化贸易结构。——深化投资合作，根据新版《中俄投资合作规划纲要》和2025年5月8日签署的《中华人民共和国政府和俄罗斯联邦政府关于促进和相互保护投资的协定》提高合作水平，营造公平、透明、可预期的营商环境。——持续巩固全面能源合作伙伴关系，支持经营主体实施石油、天然气、液化天然气、民用核能、煤炭、电力、可再生能源等领域合作项目，维护相关跨境基础设施稳定运营，促进能源运输畅通。——提升金融合作水平，拓展银行间往来，加强本币结算，深化保险、信用评级机构和证券领域合作。——完善中俄边境口岸基础设施建设，提高客货运输效率、口岸查验效率和通关能力，挖掘两国过境运输潜力，保障中俄跨境交通走廊无障碍运行，加强北极航道互利合作。——加强工业合作，拓展技术创新领域合作，巩固产业链。——深挖科技合作潜力，在创新、基础研究和应用研究等领域拓展新的合作方向，定期开展联合科技项目遴选，实施科研项目，支持新的科技合作模式。——全面深化中俄经贸、海关、农业、运输、财金、工业、环保、航天和卫星导航、核能、城市建设、卫生健康、信息和通信技术等各领域务实合作，切实保障双边合作在2030年前实现提质升级.
Section four makes the point that the two sides support “cultural and civilizational diversity, believe that uniqueness is the foundation of a multipolar world, and respect the unique value systems of countries and peoples.” 双方支持文化和文明多样性，认为独特性是多极化世界的基础，尊重各国和各国人民的独特价值观体系.
Both sides are committed to just, fair, open, and inclusive international cultural and people-to-people cooperation, firmly oppose the politicisation of such cooperation, oppose the adoption of discriminatory and exclusive measures, and oppose undermining the foundation of other countries’ cultural sovereignty through the export of harmful ideas and erroneous concepts.” 双方致力于公正、公平、开放、包容的国际人文合作，坚决反对将人文合作政治化，反对采取歧视性、排他性手段，反对通过输出有害思想和错误观念，动摇他国文化主权根基.
Within this context, the document talks about:
Deepening education cooperation
Joint work with archives “to combat all attempts to tamper with history and erase the contributions of the two peoples in fighting against Japanese militarism and German fascism”
Tourism, sports and youth cooperation, etc.
News and film production cooperation. On news, this is significant:
“Support Chinese and Russian media organizations in objectively and fairly reporting on the friendly relations between the two countries, economic and social development, and other aspects; deepen cooperation in policy dialogue in the media field, joint production, exchange of audiovisual content, application of new technologies, talent cultivation, organizing large-scale media forums, etc; explain shared external positions in the global media space, and cooperate within the framework of world and regional media organizations. Both sides are willing to work together to strengthen the protection of journalists and safeguard citizens’ right to obtain accurate information.” 支持中俄媒体机构围绕两国友好关系、经济社会发展等进行客观公正报道，深化两国媒体领域政策对话、联合制作、交流视听内容、新技术应用、人才培养、举办大型媒体论坛等方面合作，在全球媒体空间阐释共同对外立场，在世界和地区媒体组织框架内相互协作。双方愿共同努力，加强对记者的保护力度，保障公民获得准确信息的权利.
Section 5 deals with the international order. It attacks “some countries and their allies” for pursuing “hegemonic selfish interests” and “subverting the principles of the post-war international order, and weakening the United Nations’ central role in maintaining global peace and security.”
“The two sides pointed out that building a more equitable and sustainable multipolar world order is an irresistible trend. Certain countries are obsessed with hegemonism and neocolonialism, arbitrarily pursuing aggressive policies, restricting other countries’ sovereignty and curbing their economic and technological development in order to safeguard their own privileges. This runs counter to the trends of world multipolarity and democratization of international relations. As independent forces in the process of building a multipolar world, both sides will fully tap the potential of bilateral relations, safeguard the international system with the UN at its core and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promote the realization of an equal and orderly multipolar world and the democratization of international relations, and pool their strength to build a more just and reasonable multipolar world.” 双方指出，构建更加公平可持续的多极世界秩序是大势所趋，个别国家沉迷霸权主义和新殖民主义，滥施侵略性政策，为保护自身特权而限制他国主权、遏制他国经济和科技发展，这不符合世界多极化和国际关系民主化时代潮流。作为建立多极世界进程中的独立力量，双方将充分挖掘双边关系潜力，维护以联合国为核心的国际体系、以《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则，推动实现平等有序的世界多极化和国际关系民主化，凝聚力量构建更加公正合理的多极世界.
“The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the core role of the UN in coordinating the interests of all countries and uniting to respond to contemporary challenges. The two sides are willing to carry out closer cooperation within the framework of UN agencies such as the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, and promote lasting and fair solutions to global issues on the basis of abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and balancing the interests of all parties. The two sides attach great importance to strengthening the work of the ‘Group of Friends of Defending the UN Charter’ and believe that the group is an effective mechanism for maintaining the principles and norms of international law, promoting the construction of a just and democratic multipolar order, and opposing unilateral sanctions and neo-colonial practices such as the politicization of human rights issues. The two sides support conducting extensive and equal dialogue on the basis of protecting the diversity of civilizations and achieving a balance of power and interests among countries, and explore ways to promote the international landscape to better adapt to the process of world multipolarisation in the 21st century. 双方重申致力于维护联合国在协调各国利益、团结应对当代挑战方面的核心作用。双方愿在联合国安理会和联合国大会等联合国机构框架内开展更加密切协作，在遵守《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则以及平衡各方利益基础上，推动全球性问题得以持久公正解决。双方高度重视加强“捍卫《联合国宪章》之友小组”工作，认为该小组是维护国际法原则和准则、推动构建公正民主的多极化秩序、反对单边制裁及将人权问题政治化等新殖民主义行径的有效机制。双方支持在保护文明多样性、实现各国力量和利益平衡的基础上开展广泛平等对话，探索推动国际格局更加适应21世纪世界多极化进程。
The statement supports the Chinese proposal of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the three global initiatives. It then adds:
“The two sides will cooperate on the Global Security Initiative. The Chinese side values the ‘Eurasian Security Architecture’ initiative proposed by the Russian side and is willing to promote the alignment of security concepts and integration of interests with the Russian side to contribute to maintaining world peace and security. The two sides reaffirm their commitment to seeking political solutions to crises through dialogue and support the constructive participation of the international community in the political settlement of hotspot conflicts, based on non-interference in internal affairs and addressing the consequences and root causes of conflict…The two sides stressed that in order to ensure a reliable and sustainable security system in the Eurasian continent, it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of conflicts between countries and abandon the behavior of creating threats to each other. China and Russia firmly condemn any external force and power that attempts to undermine the process of unity and equal cooperation in the Eurasian continent. The two sides believe that unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, bypassing the UN Security Council violate the UN Charter and other international laws and undermine international security interests. The two sides firmly oppose unilateral coercive measures that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the Security Council, and condemn the use of intimidation, restrictions, coercion and other means to put pressure on other countries.” 双方将就全球安全倡议开展合作，中方重视俄方提出的“欧亚大陆安全架构”倡议，愿同俄方推进安全理念对接和利益共融，为维护世界和平与安全贡献力量。双方重申致力于通过对话寻求危机的政治解决方案，支持国际社会在不干涉内政和消除冲突后果及产生根源的基础上，建设性参与热点冲突的政治解决。双方一致认为，捍卫基于《联合国宪章》的国际法体系对维护亚欧大陆稳定具有重要意义，主张本地区在安全、经济、文化等领域合作应顺应多极化发展趋势，造福亚欧大陆各国。双方强调，保障可靠、可持续的亚欧大陆安全体系必须消除国家间产生矛盾的根源性问题，摒弃相互制造威胁的行为。中俄两国坚决谴责任何企图破坏亚欧大陆团结与平等合作进程的外部武力强权行径。双方认为，绕开联合国安理会实施包括经济制裁在内的单边强制性措施违背《联合国宪章》等国际法，损害国际安全利益。双方坚决反对没有国际法依据、未经安理会授权的单边强制性措施，谴责采取恫吓、限制、胁迫等手段对他国进行施压.
The document calls for the UN to “play a central role in AI governance” and expresses their opposition to “the politicization of scientific and technological issues and the negative practices that maliciously undermine the stability of the international AI industry chain and supply chain.” It also talks about addressing humanitarian crises and plastic pollution.
Section 6 deals with regional organisations.
On the SCO, they agree to accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive center for responding to security threats and challenges in Tashkent and a drug control center in Dushanbe; “attach great importance to the expansion” of the SCO
On BRICS, they agreed to “promote the enhancement of the international influence of BRICS countries, and promote the establishment of close ties between BRICS countries and the vast number of developing countries by attracting more partner countries to participate in BRICS cooperation, strengthening ‘BRICS+’ and BRICS external dialogues.”
Russia explicitly supports GDI
Section 7 lashes out at unilateral sanctions; confiscation of foreign assets and property; abuse of tariffs and export controls; etc.
It also expresses support for “the construction of the African Continental Free Trade Area so that African countries can integrate into the global industrial and supply chains not only as suppliers of raw materials but also as producers of intermediate and end products.
It expresses support for South Africa’s work as the rotating chair of the G20 in 2025; China’s hosting of the 2026 APEC meeting and “an open, inclusive, transparent and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system”.
Section 8 deals with the issue of “global strategic stability”. There’s a full statement on this issue. So I am going to be brief in this breakdown. The section attacks “certain nuclear-weapon states” for taking “adverse measures that undermine global strategic stability, intensify arms races, raise the risk of conflict”. It also criticises said countries for harbouring a Cold War mentality and engaging in zero-sum games.
This is important:
“Both sides point out that one of the strategic risks urgently needing elimination is the expansion of military alliances by certain nuclear-weapon states in sensitive regions surrounding other nuclear-weapon states, exerting military pressure or implementing hostile actions that threaten the fundamental security interests of other countries. Both sides condemn certain nuclear-weapon states for developing unrestricted global multi-layered anti-missile systems, deploying land-based intermediate and short-range missiles abroad targeting other nuclear-weapon states, and advancing highly destructive so-called ‘extended deterrence’ and ‘nuclear sharing’ arrangements, undermining regional stability and global security. Both sides oppose various provocative actions aimed at heightening tensions and strategic risks against nuclear-weapon states.” 双方指出当前亟待消除的战略风险之一，是某些核武器国家在其他核武器国家周边敏感地区实施军事联盟扩张，进行武力施压或实施威胁他国根本安全利益的敌对行为。双方谴责某些核武器国家发展不受限制的全球多层次反导系统，在境外部署针对其他核武器国家的陆基中短程导弹，推进极具破坏性的所谓“延伸威慑”和“核共享”安排，损害地区稳定与全球安全。双方反对针对核武器国家推高紧张局势和战略风险的各类挑衅行径.
The section also deals with space, cyberspace, information security, terrorism, separatism, extremism and transnational crimes.
Section 9 is very interesting and worth capturing in full. It says:
Certain countries and their allies are attempting to stealthily alter legal concepts, pressure countries that pursue independent foreign policies, and distort historical truths for short-term gains. Both sides strongly condemn such hegemonic behavior. Both sides express deep concern about the confrontational policies adopted by certain countries and their allies and their related statements, urging them to stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs, undermining existing security architectures in regions around the world, artificially drawing lines between countries, and advocating camp confrontation. Both sides firmly oppose actions that instigate other countries around the world to adopt hostile positions towards China and Russia and that smear China-Russia cooperation. China and Russia will strengthen coordination and resolutely respond to the United States’ implementation of ‘dual containment’ against China and Russia. Both sides point out that the US and its allies are attempting to advance NATO’s eastward expansion to the Asia-Pacific, creating ‘small circles’ in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing in regional countries to implement its ‘Indo-Pacific Strategy’, undermining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Both sides oppose the construction of ‘nuclear sharing’ military alliances targeting China and Russia, oppose the deployment of nuclear weapons systems in this region under the pretext of strengthening ‘extended deterrence’ arrangements, and oppose the deployment of global anti-missile systems and land-based intermediate-range missile systems that undermine strategic stability. Both sides will conduct coordination to promote the creation of space in Asia for strengthened security cooperation and promotion of development and prosperity, deepen collaboration and coordination on regional platforms, and jointly propose and implement cooperation initiatives in various fields through multilateral mechanisms. 个别国家及其盟友图谋偷换法律概念，向奉行独立外交政策的国家施压，为谋求短期利益篡改历史真相，双方对这种霸权行径予以强烈谴责。双方对个别国家及其盟友采取的对抗性政策以及发表的相关言论深表关切，敦促停止干涉他国内政、在全球各地区破坏现有安全架构、在国家间人为划线、鼓吹阵营对抗的行径。双方坚决反对在世界各地鼓动其他国家对中俄采取敌对立场并抹黑中俄协作的行径。中俄将加强协调配合，坚决应对美国对中俄实施“双遏制”。双方指出，美国及其盟友企图推进北约东进亚太，在亚太地区大搞“小圈子”，拉拢本地区国家推行其“印太战略”，破坏地区和平稳定繁荣。双方反对构建针对中俄两国的“核共享”军事同盟，反对借口强化“延伸威慑”安排在本地区部署核武器系统，反对部署破坏战略稳定的全球反导系统、陆基中导系统。双方将开展协调，推动在亚洲打造加强安全合作、促进发展繁荣的空间，在区域性平台上深化协作协调，通过多边机制共同提出并实施各领域合作倡议。
Both sides will consolidate cooperation with ASEAN and maintain regional stability and prosperity. Both sides will strengthen collaboration within the framework of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum, and ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, promoting the construction of an Asian regional security architecture based on compliance with international law norms, mutual respect, openness, and inclusiveness. Russia supports China and ASEAN countries in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea. Both sides believe that the South China Sea issue should be resolved through negotiation and consultation by directly concerned parties, and firmly oppose interference and involvement by outside forces in the South China Sea issue. Russia supports China and ASEAN countries in fully and effectively implementing the ‘Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea’ and welcomes the early conclusion of the ‘Code of Conduct in the South China Sea’. 双方将巩固同东盟协作，维护地区稳定和繁荣.双方将加强在东亚峰会、东盟地区论坛、东盟防长扩大会等东盟主导机制框架内的协作，推动在遵守国际法准则、相互尊重、开放包容的基础上，构建亚洲地区安全架构。俄方支持中国和东盟国家维护南海和平稳定。双方认为，南海问题应由直接当事国通过谈判协商解决，坚决反对域外势力插手介入南海问题。俄方支持中国和东盟国家全面有效落实《南海各方行为宣言》，欢迎早日达成“南海行为准则”.
Both sides welcome Russia’s rotating chairmanship of the ‘Greater Tumen Initiative’ in 2025, support strengthening cooperation in Northeast Asia, deepening collaboration among ‘Greater Tumen Initiative’ member countries in transportation, energy, trade and investment, digital economy, agriculture, tourism, and environment, and exploring the transformation of the ‘Greater Tumen Initiative’ into an independent international organization. 双方欢迎俄方2025年担任“大图们倡议”轮值主席国，支持加强东北亚地区合作，深化“大图们倡议”成员国在交通、能源、贸易与投资、数字经济、农业、旅游和环境等领域协作，探讨“大图们倡议”向独立国际组织转型.
Both sides advocate that political and diplomatic means are the only way to promote a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue, urge relevant countries to abandon policies of implementing unilateral coercive measures and suppression against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as well as policies aimed at promoting militarization and provoking confrontation in Northeast Asia, and to take practical measures to ease tensions and eliminate the threat of armed incidents and large-scale military conflicts on the peninsula. Both sides believe that mutual respect for sovereignty and balanced consideration of the interests of all relevant countries are necessary conditions for resolving the peninsula issue. Both sides reaffirm their willingness to play a constructive role in promoting the political settlement process of the peninsula issue and achieving lasting peace and stability in Northeast Asia. 双方主张，政治外交途径是推动全面解决朝鲜半岛问题的唯一出路，敦促有关国家摒弃对朝鲜民主主义人民共和国实施单边强制性措施和打压的政策，以及旨在推动东北亚地区军事化和挑动对抗的方针，切实采取措施推动缓和紧张局势，消除半岛爆发武装事件和大规模军事冲突的威胁。双方认为，相互尊重主权、均衡兼顾各有关国家利益是解决半岛问题的必要条件。双方重申愿为推动半岛问题政治解决进程、实现东北亚地区长久和平与稳定发挥建设性作用.
Both sides are willing to strengthen cooperation on Afghan affairs at bilateral level and under multilateral mechanisms, promoting Afghanistan to become an independent, neutral, unified, and peaceful country, free from the harms of terrorism and drugs, and living in harmony with all neighboring countries. Both sides attach great importance to and support the positive and constructive roles played by regional platforms such as the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries, the ‘Moscow Format’ Consultations on Afghanistan, the China-Russia-Pakistan-Iran Four-Party Mechanism, and the SCO in the political settlement of the Afghan issue. 双方愿在双边层面和多边机制下就阿富汗事务加强协作，推动阿富汗成为独立、中立、统一、和平的国家，免受恐怖主义及毒品的危害，同所有邻国和睦相处。双方高度重视并支持阿富汗邻国外长会、阿富汗问题“莫斯科模式”磋商、中国—俄罗斯—巴基斯坦—伊朗四国机制、上海合作组织等地区平台在政治解决阿富汗问题上所发挥的积极和建设性作用.
The final section says:
On Ukraine, “it is necessary to eliminate the root causes of the crisis on the basis of fully and completely complying with the principles of the UN Charter, abide by the principle of indivisibility of security, and take into account the legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries.”
The CSTO has “cooperation potential in maintaining peace and security on the Eurasian continent and jointly preventing external forces from undermining regional stability.”
Both sides will continue to be committed to maintaining stability in Central Asia and promoting steady economic and social development in the region.
“The Palestinian issue must be resolved in a comprehensive, just and lasting way on the basis of recognized international law and the ‘Two-state Solution’ to establish an independent Palestinian state that coexists peacefully and securely with Israel.”
It expresses support for Syria’s “national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” and says that “Syria should firmly oppose all forms of terrorism and extremist forces.”
Both sides “will actively cooperate to consolidate the security of the Gulf region and promote regional countries to enhance mutual trust and achieve sustainable development.”
On the Iran nuclear issue, they call for dialogue and oppose any “resort to force and illegal unilateral coercive measures”.
The document also talks about both sides working with African and South American countries.
“The two sides advocate maintaining peace and stability in the Arctic region and preventing military and political tensions in the region.”
Key excerpts from the Joint statement by the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on Global Strategic Stability:
The two Sides emphasize the importance of maintaining constructive relations between major powers, including in addressing global strategic issues. Nuclear-weapon States, which bear special responsibility for international security and global strategic stability, should reject Cold War mentality and zero-sum games, resolve contradictions via dialogue on an equal footing and mutually respectful consultations, build confidence to avoid dangerous miscalculations and refrain from actions that generate strategic risks. The two Sides state with regret that not all of the five nuclear-weapon States follow such approaches in practice. The two Sides note with concern that against the backdrop of aggravation in the relations between nuclear-weapon States, which in some cases has escalated to the threat of a direct military clash, a critical mass of problems and challenges has accumulated in the strategic sphere, and the risk of nuclear conflict has increased.
One of the most pressing strategic risks to be urgently addressed remains the highly destabilizing expansion of existing and newly formed military alliances and coalitions that is being carried out by some nuclear-weapon States close to the frontiers of other nuclear-weapon States in an attempt to establish or expand permanent footholds in such areas, which are particularly sensitive to them, for the purposes of projecting military power, exerting forceful pressure and committing other hostile activities that threaten the core security interests of those States. It is also of serious concern that such activities are accompanied by the forward deployment of military infrastructure and advanced offensive, defensive and versatile weapon systems that can be employed to accomplish strategic missions – in particular, to perform decapitating and disarming strikes, while providing enhanced capabilities for missile interception.
In this context, of particular concern are the plans and practical steps by individual nuclear-weapon States to deploy outside their national territories ground-launched intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles with short flight time to a wide range of targets in the territories of other nuclear-weapon States. At the same time, accelerated development, procurement and emplacement of long-range missile systems of this and other similar classes are carried out within the relevant military alliances and coalitions not only by nuclear-weapon States, but also by their non-nuclear allies in the framework of concepts involving the acquisition of counterforce systems for ‘deep precision strikes’, ‘kill chains’, ‘counterstrike capabilities’, and etc. The two Sides strongly condemn such provocative activities that undermine regional stability and global security.
Deeply destabilizing in nature is also the recently announced ;Golden (Iron) Dome for America’, a large-scale program designed to establish unconstrained, global, deeply layered and multi-domain missile defense system to protect against any missile threats, including all types of missiles from ‘peer and near-peer adversaries’. First of all, this means a complete and ultimate rejection to recognize the existence of the inseparable interrelationship between strategic offensive arms and strategic defensive arms, which is one of the central and fundamental principles of maintaining global strategic stability. The project also provides additional impetus to the further development of kinetic and non-kinetic means providing for the left-of-launch defeat of missile weapons and the infrastructure that supports their employment. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that the ‘Golden (Iron) Dome for America’ program also directly envisages significant strengthening of the arsenal of means to conduct combat operations in space, including the development and orbital deployment of interception systems, turning outer space into an environment for placing weapons and an arena for armed confrontation.
The two Sides oppose the attempts of individual countries to use outer space for armed confrontation and will counter security policies and activities aimed at achieving military superiority, as well as at officially defining and using outer space as a ‘warfighting domain’. The two Sides confirm the need to start negotiations on a legally binding instrument based on the Russian-Chinese draft of the Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force Against Outer Space Objects as soon as possible, that would provide fundamental and reliable guarantees for preventing an arms race in outer space, weaponization of outer space and the threat or use of force against outer space objects or with their help. In order to safeguard world peace, ensure equal and indivisible security for all, and improve the predictability and sustainability of the exploration and peaceful use of outer space by all States, the two Sides agree to promote on a global scale the international initiative/political commitment not to be the first to deploy weapons in outer space. The two Sides condemn the use of commercial space systems to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign States and armed conflicts involving third countries.
The statement called “extended nuclear deterrence” and “nuclear sharing” as having “high potential to provoke a regional and global arms race and further escalate tensions.”
“The comprehensive implementation by individual nuclear-weapon States, with the support of their allies, of the specified conceptual and military-technical approaches, obviously aimed at weakening the reliability and effectiveness of the strategic deterrence capabilities of other nuclear-weapon States, indicates aspiration to ensure an overwhelming military superiority, ‘strategic invulnerability’ and ultimately ‘absolute strategic security’. This fundamentally contradicts the logic underlying the maintenance of strategic balance and runs counter to the principle of equal and indivisible security. As a consequence, there is a combined threat of directly undermining global strategic stability, spurring an arms race and increasing conflict potential both among nuclear-weapon States and in the international arena as a whole. Moreover, such a course of action calls into question the effectiveness of efforts to maintain predictability in the nuclear and missile sphere, as well as creates hardly surmountable obstacles to the constructive consideration of nuclear arms control and nuclear disarmament initiatives.”
The statement stresses the importance of arms control and the NPT. It says that AUKUS “undermine(s) strategic stability and provoke an arms race in the region.” It calls for “the need for further cooperation on the issues of military application of artificial intelligence technologies both in bilateral format and at specialized multilateral venues”.
“The two Sides reiterate their commitment that the Biological Weapons Convention should be fully complied with and urge the States Parties to consistently strengthen it, in particular by institutionalizing and adopting a legally binding protocol with an effective verification mechanism. The two Sides express concern about the military biological activities of the United States of America and its allies and demand that they cease such activities that threaten the security of other States and relevant regions, both in their national territories and beyond their borders.”
“The two Sides reaffirm adherence to the export control obligations under the NPT, BTWC, CWC, and stand opposed to the self-serving use by some countries of relevant mechanisms to technologically and economically contain other States and to apply illegitimate policy of unilateral restrictive measures. The two Sides are committed to the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses in the context of international security’.”