16/07/2026
⚡️ Article by Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov “A constant in an era of radical change: On the 25th anniversary of the Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship, and Cooperation” (July 16, 2026)
Read in full - https://vk.cc/cZCL6F
✍️ Today, as a more equitable takes shape, the multifaceted partnership between Russia and China – two great powers and largest neighbours – stands as a model for interstate engagement founded on equality, a balance of interests, and mutual advantage.
Three decades ago, in a joint summit declaration, Moscow and Beijing first articulated a course towards an equal and trusting partnership oriented towards strategic interaction in the 21st century.
This innovative formula was soon given legal expression in a key bilateral instrument – the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. Signed in Moscow exactly 25 years ago, on July 16, 2001, by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Jiang Zemin, the Treaty marked the transition from the normalisation of relations in the late 1980s to an entirely new phase: the forging of a strategic tandem of decisive importance not only for our two countries, but also for the maintenance of global peace, security and stability.
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We can say with complete confidence that the Treaty has played a decisive role in shaping a new model of Russian-Chinese cooperation – one that imposes no constraints on the sovereignty of either party, thereby affording it the necessary flexibility and, consequently, clear advantages over “classical alliances”.
❗️ I should stress that relations between Russia and China are built on an equal footing, are free from ideological dogma, are not directed against third countries, and remain resilient to the influence of external circumstances.
The Treaty established a robust institutional framework for the qualitative enhancement of trade and economic relations.
The economies of our respective states are intrinsically complementary. Indeed, the figures speak for themselves. Over the past quarter-century, trade turnover has increased more than thirtyfold and, for three consecutive years, it has consistently surpassed $200 billion.
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Over the past twenty-five years, we have managed to considerably enhance mutual foreign policy coordination on international platforms, one of the defining elements of the Russia-China strategic partnership.
This cooperation is founded on a shared assessment of the current geopolitical environment, as well as its future trajectory. Our countries hold closely aligned, and often identical positions on the majority of global and regional issues. These include the preservation of global strategic stability, arms control, efforts to combat terrorism, and other emerging threats and challenges.
☝️ Together with our Chinese counterparts, we advocate for the political and diplomatic resolution of conflicts by addressing their underlying causes. We strongly oppose policies of “regime change”, the application of double standards, and the use of unilateral sanctions.
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It is safe to say that the Russian-Chinese Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation has successfully withstood the test of time.
🤝 Remaining the unshakable foundation of bilateral relations, it fully meets the fundamental interests of our countries for the long-term historical perspective.
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