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March 9, 2015

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Foreign minister says China will strengthen Russia links

Source: Xinhua/Shanghai Daily | March 9, 2015, Monday | Print Edition

CHINA asserted its place on the global diplomatic stage yesterday, staunchly defended China’s national interests, while stressing its commitment of peace and justice by advancing win-win cooperation and common development.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking to reporters at a press conference, pledged to support Russia in the face of Western sanctions, scolded Japan over its recalcitrance over World War II history, and made clear it sees the United States as an equal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the US later this year and Wang emphasized that the two countries are equals that must work to overcome tensions.

The two presidents are expected to “inject new momentum into efforts to build a new model of major country relations between China and the United States,” Wang said.

It is a “logical development” because it is in line with the common interests of both China and the US and the trend of the times, he said. As long as the two sides show sincerity, buttress the bottom line of no-conflict and no-confrontation, cement the foundation of mutual respect, “we can explore the immense possibility of win-win cooperation between China and the United States,” he said.

“There is a Chinese saying, sincerity can work wonders,” Wang said.

“China and the United States are two large countries,” he added. “It’s impossible for there not to be any disagreements between us.

“But we shouldn’t magnify problems through a microscope, we should instead use a telescope to look ahead to the future and make sure we move forward in the right direction,” he said.

China and the US interact the most in the Asia-Pacific region and the interests of both intersect the most in the region, said Wang, adding that the building of the new model of major-country relations should begin in the Asia-Pacific region. “If they work to establish and deepen strategic trust and have positive interactions, the two sides can jointly contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” he said, adding that he believes China and the US also have common interests in cyberspace security.

Wang vowed to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation with Russia, even as it faces sanctions over the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Ukraine.

Sino-Russian relations were based on “mutual need,” Wang said, and they would work to increase trade to an annual US$100 billion a year while intensifying cooperation in sectors including finance and energy.

The China-Russia relationship is not affected by international vicissitudes and not aimed at any third party, he said.

China and Russia have a tradition of supporting each other, he said. “Friendship between the two peoples provides a strong foundation for strengthening strategic cooperation.”

China and Russia are to sign an agreement to work on the Silk Road Economic Belt, he said, and the countries will cooperate on the development of Russia’s Far Eastern region.

Cooperation on high-speed railways will be strengthened.

Both countries will start to fully construct the eastern route of natural gas pipelines and sign an agreement on the western route of natural gas pipelines, he said.

They will also accelerate joint research and development on a long-distance passenger jet and continue to intensify cooperation in the financial, oil and gas, and nuclear power sectors.

Wang said the two sides will support each other and jointly uphold international peace and the outcome of WWII. This year, both will hold a series of activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the war.

“China and Russia are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council,” he said. “We will continue to carry out strategic coordination and cooperation to maintain international peace and security.”

Wang was also defiant over China’s interests in the South China Sea. Asked about reports the country was reclaiming land in the area, he said China was “carrying out necessary construction on its own islands and reefs.”

China’s construction on its own islands and reefs in the South China Sea is lawful and justified, as China is merely building facilities in its own yard, he said.

“China is carrying out necessary construction on its own islands and reefs. The construction does not target or affect anyone,” Wang told reporters.

Wang said China was not like some who engaged in illegal construction in another person’s house, and the country does not accept criticism of others when it is merely building facilities in its own yard.

“We have every right to do things that are lawful and justified,” he said.

China will continue to uphold freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, he added, continue to peacefully resolve disputes through direct dialog and consultation, and continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability, he added.

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