China's ambassador to Russia from 1995 and 1998 Li Fenglin was
witness to the forging of strategic partnership between the two
neighbors. Today, Li says, Sino-Russian relationship has reached
its peak.
"We gradually established a relationship in accordance with the
norms of international relations. And it has been on a fast track
after our strategic cooperative partnership began."
One of the main purposes of the "Year of China" in Russia is to
strengthen that relationship and improve the understanding of the
two peoples about each other.
The past 11 years have seen massive changes in the international
environment, Li says, but the Sino-Russian strategic partnership
has stood the test of time. It deals with a broad range of issues
arising out of multi-polarization and democratization of
international relations as well as globalization.
"It has become an important factor in global peace and
stabilization." The relationship between the two countries is built
on a solid foundation, he says. Besides the integrated legal system
of bilateral cooperation, there is a mechanism of regular meetings
between the presidents and premiers of the two countries and
effective cooperative systems at the central and regional
levels.?
"There are no standing political problems between the two sides
after the border issue was settled. The relationship has
matured."
The two countries have reached agreements on many international
issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity are of utmost
importance for them, and both advocate peaceful settlement of
international issues under UN charters. They respect people's right
to choose their own way of development and oppose unilateralism and
abuse of force.
"China and Russia have cooperated closely on many international
issues such as the Iraq War and nuclear issue on the Korean
Peninsula and Iran," Li says.
The two countries, in fact, have cooperated in almost every
other field, from safety, military affairs and technology to
environmental protection and the economy.
"But like any cooperation between two partners, there have been
conflicts, and can be handled at the working level," he says.
When it comes to Chinese and Russian people's understanding of
each other, however, Li says much needs to be done, especially on
the Russian side.
There have been some misunderstandings among Russians, he says,
blaming media reports on territorial claim, migration and "economic
expansion" of China for that.
"But China never claimed any Russian territory even during the
most complex period of their history, and we don't intend to
offload our population on Russia," he says.
Russians in general regard China as a friend, as a survey this
year showed more than 60 percent think so.
"I think the "Year of China" in Russia will be very helpful in
strengthening the ties. Also, since it's a long-term task, we
should use all kinds of channels including mass media and
people-to-people contacts, especially between the youth, to help us
deepen our friendship," Li says.
That's the basis of the two countries' eternal friendship, he
concludes.
(China Daily March 26, 2007)
