China-Russia relations remain as steady as a rock against all odds, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.
At a press conference held on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, Wang gave his response when asked how China and Russia may counter attempts to reshape international law and global trade rules in the face of a complex international situation.
"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. In a fluid and turbulent world, the China-Russia relationship has stood rock-solid against all odds. How is that achieved? I think the main reason is that the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination has been based on equality, respect and mutual benefit since day one. It embodies the essence of a new type of international relations and represents the direction of a new type of major-country relations," Wang said.
"China and Russia are strategically independent. We always respect each other's core interests, do not impose the will or agenda of one on the other, and keep to the principle of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. China and Russia share a high degree of political mutual trust. Working back-to-back lies at the heart of this relationship. And the strong strategic resilience enables it to defy any external instigation or pressure. China and Russia act in close coordination. In major international and regional affairs, China and Russia share the broadest strategic consensus and closest strategic coordination, including defending international rule and order," said the foreign minister.
Through 80 years of winds and rains, the post-World War II international order has once again come to a crucial juncture, said Wang.
"Last year, the heads of state of China and Russia attended the commemorations of the victory of the Anti-Fascist War in each other's countries, and issued three important joint statements on deepening comprehensive strategic coordination, cementing global strategic stability, and upholding the authority of international law. This has sent a clear message to the world about resolutely upholding the correct view of history on World War II, safeguarding the fruits of the victory of the War and opposing unilateral bullying acts," he said.
"Eighty years ago, China and Russia together contributed to the building of the postwar order. Today, 80 years on, China and Russia together will add momentum to the advent of a multipolar world," Wang added.