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Main Elements of Russia-China Friendship Treaty

A 20-year Treaty on Good Neighbourly Friendship and Cooperation Between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China was signed on July 16 in Moscow. The treaty formally unites the two countries in opposition to the U.S. National Missile Defence Initiative and confirms Russia's support for China's claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. It also strengthens military cooperation between Russia and China and opposes the 1999 NATO intervention in the Balkans.

The treaty emphasizes the deep concerns of both countries about a new world order dominated by the U.S. and its European allies and endorses a "just and rational new international order." While specifically stating that it is "not directed against third countries", the treaty requires Russia and China to closely coordinate their responses in the event that either is subjected to pressure or aggression from another power, stating that the two sides "will immediately make contact with each other and hold consultations in order to eliminate the emerging threat."

The pact also reaffirms both countries' opposition to the principle of "humanitarian intervention" used by NATO to justify its aggression in the Balkans and upholds "the strict observance of generally recognized principles and norms of international law against any actions aimed at exerting pressure or interfering, under any pretext, with the internal affairs of the sovereign states."

The treaty opposes the unilateral decision of the U.S. to develop a missile defence shield . It reaffirms support for the Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty in its current form and for the further reduction of nuclear arsenals.

This treaty is seen as a response by China to continuing American pressure, including the intense U.S. campaign of spy plane incursions into Chinese territory and the Bush administration's pledge to help protect Taiwan. The Russians are seen to be responding to NATO's eastward expansion, U.S. occupation of the Balkans and U.S. ambitions towards various former republics of the Soviet Union, especially Georgia, Chechnya and Azerbaijan. Various American officials have also made public comments about the need for Siberia to be placed under international protection and jurisdiction, supposedly to protect the environment. This treaty essentially closes the "back door" of both countries to the U.S. and its allies.