State visit highlights growing Russo-Chinese ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Russia on Wednesday for a state visit with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He also visited the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum during his visit.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - In a statement released upon his arrival, Hu explained that his hope was to develop and promote the relationship between the two countries. Both sides took the opportunity to share their views on the future of Chinese-Russian relations for the next decade while also sharing strategic and regional concerns with one another.

Both countries stand to benefit from increased cooperation. This most recent visit comes after a series of visits over previous years whereby China and Russia have strengthened their ties with one another.  

As both China and Russia emerge as robust, modern economies it is natural for the two nations to seek cooperation rather than competition as has been the case previously. Now far from being adversaries as they were decades ago, China and Russia are celebrating the ten year anniversary of the "China-Russia Treaty on Good-Neighborliness and, Friendliness and Cooperation."

During his visit, President Hu acknowledged the treaty and suggested the two countries, "should always adhere to the principles of the treaty and advocate the idea of friendship from generation to generation." Hu said that China is ready to work with Russia to make new contributions to the growth and rejuvenation of the two countries, and to world peace and development. Hu also credited the treaty with strengthening political ties and mutual trust.
 
The rise of China and Russia as a cooperative unit is of important note to analysts. Russia's re-emerging technological capabilities and military might, combined with Chinese productivity and manpower and economic strength will make any cooperation between the two a powerful factor in world affairs. Both countries are regarded by many as both economic and military superpowers. 

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