On May 16, 2024, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement in Beijing, pledging to intensify their comprehensive strategic partnership. They emphasized building a multipolar world order, opposing hegemonism, and advocating for international fairness and justice.
On 16th May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a two-day state visit to China, his first foreign trip since being sworn in for a fifth term as Russian president on May 7. President Xi held a grand welcoming ceremony for Putin before they held official talks at the Great Hall of the People.
Both leaders signed a joint statement in Beijing, committing to intensify their comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, and highlighting their dedication to enhancing bilateral ties.
Below are the key points derived from the statement:
Building a New World Order
- Multipolar World: Emphasis on the increasing status and strength of emerging major countries and regions in the ‘Global South’ and the accelerating trend of world multipolarity.
- Redistribution of Resources: The redistribution of development potential, resources, and opportunities favors emerging markets and developing countries, promoting democratization of international relations and international fairness and justice.
- Opposition to Hegemonism: Criticism of countries adhering to hegemonism and power politics, particularly those trying to replace the international order based on international law with a ‘rules-based order’.
- Security Concerns: Emphasis on the interconnected fates of all peoples and the need for a sustainable security system in Eurasia based on equal and indivisible security.
- Bilateral Relations: Commitment to fully tapping the potential of China-Russia relations to promote a just and reasonable multipolar world.
Foundational Principles of the New World Order
- No Neo-Colonialism or Hegemonism: All countries have the right to choose their development models and systems independently, opposing interference in internal affairs, unilateral sanctions, and ideological divisions.
- UN Charter: Both sides will continue to firmly defend the achievements of World War II and the post-war world order established by the UN Charter.
Strong Condemnation of the US
- Hegemonism and Power Politics: Condemnation of countries, especially the US, for attempting to subvert the international order based on international law with a ‘rules-based order’.
- Confrontational Policies: Call for relevant countries and organizations to stop confrontational policies, interference in internal affairs, and actions that undermine existing security architectures and provoke regional tensions.
- Opposition to US Military Presence: Opposition to US efforts to change the balance of power in Northeast Asia through military expansion and formation of military blocs.
Ukraine Crisis
- China’s Position on Ukraine: Russia values China’s objective and fair position on Ukraine and agrees to resolve the crisis based on full compliance with the UN Charter, implying respect for territorial integrity.
- Political Settlement: Both countries support an early political settlement of the Ukraine issue, emphasizing the elimination of root causes, upholding indivisible security, and considering the security interests of all countries.
During their talks, Xi said the steady development of China-Russia relations is not only in the fundamental interests of the two countries but is also conducive to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Putin said the development of Russia-China relations is not an expediency, is not directed against any third party, and is conducive to global strategic stability.
While jointly meeting the media with Putin following their talks, Xi said the Sino-Russian relationship has become a fine example of a new type of international relations and good-neighbourly relations between two major countries.
