Instead of speculating about 'secret deals,' look at the interactions between China and Russia

According to the Global Times, the Russia-China strategic consultation mechanism was established in 2005 by the leaders of the two countries. In principle, consultations are held annually. This is considered an example of a high-level communication mechanism between two major countries.

What is the focus of this security consultation?

This question has attracted widespread attention in the current complex international context, from the prolonged Ukraine crisis, the military moves of the United States, Japan and South Korea in the Pacific region, and the rise of emerging economies, which demand a more equitable international order and mechanism. On these fronts, China and Russia, as two global powers, are playing a key role. In a certain aspect, the relationship between Moscow and Beijing fundamentally affects peace and stability not only in the region, but also in the entire world.

This Russia-China security consultation has attracted even more attention from the Western media, as it took place right after Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Malta (USA) on September 16 and 17. From here, many different explanations have emerged about the purpose of the Russia-China security consultation.

Global Times cited an example, some Western media pointed out that Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit took place right after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had just finished his six-day trip to Russia. The West believes that this coincidence is the basis for promoting the "China-Russia-North Korea" relationship.

The Global Times said that China-Russia relations have been seriously misunderstood by Western media, which aims to portray China, Russia, and other countries such as North Korea, which are facing Western sanctions, as a collective “axis of power” that threatens the so-called “free and democratic world.”

Concepts such as “a group,” “an axis,” and “an alliance” are fundamentally different from the actual relationship between China and Russia, or between China and North Korea, the Global Times explained.

Global Times said that China pursues an independent and peaceful foreign policy, emphasizing “partnerships rather than alliances”. Beijing is determined to promote relations with friendly countries, especially the China-Russia relationship, and will not be affected by “malicious words” from outside.

Accordingly, the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation for a “new era” between China and Russia has strong internal momentum. The complex changes in international relations serve as a lever for Russia and China to strengthen strategic cooperation.

Global Times commented that both Russia and China are major countries with strong strategic autonomy and open and frank interactions. Therefore, they will not be able to succumb to US influence.

“Those who are busy speculating about the ‘secret agreements’ between China and Russia should spend some time to find out what the real interactions between major countries are like, instead of making various assumptions,” the Global Times commented.