Text/Sister Xiong
According to the Global Times, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was also received by Chinese leaders on April 9 after meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This kind of courtesy, which is the highest level of courtesy, shows that the Chinese side attaches great importance to Lavrov's visit, and undoubtedly demonstrates to the world the closeness of Sino-Russian relations and the important position in China's diplomatic map.
(Wang Yi talks with Lavrov)
Of course, the Russian side also attaches great importance to Lavrov's visit to China. The Russian media have followed up and reported on Lavrov's itinerary and statements, trying not to leave behind a single word from China and Russia. In addition, some analysts said that Lavrov's trip will also pave the way and prepare for Putin's upcoming visit to China.
(Data map: Putin's visit to China)
It is worth mentioning that after the meeting, Lavrov and Wang Yi jointly met with reporters, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry also summarized and published China's latest statement on China-Russia relations, that is, the "five always" of China-Russia relations.
(Wang Yi and Lavrov held a joint press conference after the talks)
The first "always" (always following the strategic guidance of the diplomacy of the heads of state) is the cornerstone of the positive development of Sino-Russian relations.
During the talks, Lavrov said that thanks to the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral relations between China and Russia have reached an unprecedented high level and are continuing to move forward, surpassing the military alliance of the Cold War. He also stressed in particular that with Putin's successful re-election, the deepening of Sino-Russian relations will be guaranteed. This year, the heads of state of China and Russia should have many opportunities to meet, including Putin's visit to China, as well as exchanges on multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and the BRICS Summit, which will inject more "stabilizers" into the in-depth development of bilateral relations.
(Lavrov and Putin)
The second "always" (always adhering to the principle of "non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of any third party") is the cornerstone of the development of a new type of international relations between China and Russia that is different from the Western alliance.
From the perspective of the West, it seems that in the interaction between countries, whether bilateral or multilateral, it must be based on "a common enemy", and if not, then one must be constructed. Therefore, NATO is targeting the Soviet Union/Russia, and "AUKUS" and the US-Japan-South Korea alliance are aimed at China, which will inevitably provoke contradictions and disputes in the international community. China and Russia, on the other hand, have set an example for the international community and have shown a new model of engagement that is not aimed at other countries.
The third "always" (always sticking to the right path in the face of major issues of right and wrong) is the firm commitment of China and Russia to support each other and defend international fairness and justice in the international arena.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Wang Yi specifically mentioned the important position of the two countries in the United Nations and emerging countries. This may not only mean that China and Russia will continue to jointly defend international fairness and justice, safeguard the international order, and oppose unilateral bullying and the "law of the jungle", but also explore a new path to lead the international order for the better in the existing international order system and on the basis of the new relationship between China and Russia.
(The UN Security Council is an important platform for maintaining global order)
The fourth "always" (always pursuing win-win results in cooperation) is a solid guarantee for the development of a new type of relationship between China and Russia.
Since we are developing a new type of relationship and not following the old path of confrontation between the Western bloc, China and Russia must not only have slogans and ideas, but also practical ways to bring the two countries closer to each other. Win-win is our answer to the world. Especially in recent years, with the deepening of Sino-Russian relations, the bilateral trade volume has repeatedly reached new highs, reaching 240.11 billion US dollars in 2023, and 37.01 billion US dollars in the first two months of this year. Moreover, the trade structure between the two countries has also continued to be optimized, with the proportion of local currency settlement exceeding 80%, and the scope of cooperation has been expanding to energy infrastructure construction, cross-border e-commerce and other fields.
(China-Russia cooperation is progressing steadily)
The fifth "always" (always promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world) is one of the ultimate goals of deepening bilateral relations between China and Russia.
Equality, order, and multipolarity, and breaking the unipolar "hegemonism" are the common aspirations of the people of all developing countries in the world. The West often claims to "represent the international community and uphold the international order," but in reality they represent only a handful of developed countries, and what they do is often to undermine international rules and suppress the development of emerging countries. In contrast, China and Russia represent the equality of all countries, regardless of size, and the equal consultation of multilateral platforms such as the BRICS and the SCO, so that the people of emerging countries can live with dignity. This is the future that the vast majority of people around the world really want to embrace.
(The SCO is growing)
China's "five always" has shown the world the determination and actions of China and Russia, as well as "another possibility", which is probably one of the biggest gains of Lavrov's visit to China.