Meeting to influence important relationship over the next ten years

China and Russia pledged to deepen coordination on major international and regional issues during their eighth strategic security consultation in Beijing on Wednesday.

Analysts said the meeting - the first between the two countries since their leadership transitions - will significantly influence Sino-Russian relations and major international issues over the next 10 years.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev co-chaired the meeting.

They agreed that because complicated and profound changes are taking place internationally and regionally, China and Russia are both encountering new opportunities and challenges, according to a news release from the Foreign Ministry.

Both countries should maintain frequent high-level interaction and deepen pragmatic cooperation, they said.

The two countries pledged to support each other's efforts to pursue development in accordance with their own domestic situations and to properly handle domestic affairs. They will also support each other's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security and development.

And both countries should improve their strategic coordination on major international and regional issues, uphold principles of equity and justice, safeguard mutual interests and maintain close communication, coordination and cooperation, they said.

China and Russia also pledged to further improve the strategic security consultation mechanism and make new contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership.

China and Russia have been holding strategic security consultations since 2005. The most recent one occured in August in Moscow.

In 2012, both countries saw leadership transitions. Vladimir Putin was re-elected as Russian president and Xi Jinping is on track to become China's top political leader and head of the military.

In a meeting with Patrushev on Tuesday, Xi said the consultation at the start of a new year is timely and necessary, and he called on China and Russia to further enhance their political support and coordination on global and regional affairs.

The meeting will significantly influence Sino-Russian relations and major international issues over the next 10 years, said Duan Muyi, a commentator. Against the backdrop of the United States' "pivot to Asia", which is aimed at encircling China, deepening Sino-Russian cooperation might become a priority in both countries' foreign policies, Duan said.

During a visit to China in June 2012, Putin said China is not only Russia's good friend, but also a reliable partner on the global stage. The trip was his first to Asia since starting a third term.

President Hu Jintao and Putin exchanged New Year's greetings on the last day of 2012 and expressed hope that ties between the two countries would see more progress in 2013.

China is ready to make joint efforts with Russia to implement the 10-year development plan for bilateral ties and boost practical cooperation and strategic coordination in various sectors, Hu said in the message.

Through joint efforts, the two countries' ties have reached an unprecedented level, said Duan, adding that they treat each other as important partners.

chengguangjin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/10/2013 page11)