Russia and China Sign Joint Declaration on Multipolar World

Russian and Chinese officials signed a joint declaration after a meeting in Beijing. The document calls for a multipolar world and a new type of international relations. The two sides also announced a package of deals covering economic, energy, and education cooperation.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the countries will issue a joint statement on advocating for a multipolar world. A Russian presidential aide described the declaration as a 47-page policy document. Both sides have previously spoken against what they describe as unipolar hegemony.

Russian and Chinese statements said bilateral relations have reached an unprecedented level. The statements noted cooperation in economics, sport, education, and media. This year marks the 70th anniversary of partnership between the Russian TASS news agency and the Chinese Xinhua news agency.

Officials said around 40 intergovernmental and corporate documents were signed. Trade between the two countries reached almost $240 billion last year. Bilateral trade grew by 20 percent in the first four months of this year. Nearly all import and export transactions between the two countries are now conducted in roubles and yuan.

Officials said this creates a stable system of mutual trade protected from external influence. An understanding was reached on the route and construction of the Siberia 2 pipeline. The pipeline is expected to transport 50 billion cubic metres of Russian gas annually to China via Mongolia.

Officials said Russia will continue to supply oil, natural gas, and coal to the Chinese market.

Both sides agreed to expand student exchange programmes and cooperation between universities. The agreements aim to boost joint scientific research.