The Guardian 15 March, 2006
China-Russia
partnership at all-time high
Relations between China and Russia have been enjoying a strong momentum in recent years and have reached an unprecedentedly high level said China’s ambassador to Russia, last week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s is to visit China on March 21-22 and this is certain to strengthen ties.
The Chinese ambassador said the growth of Sino-Russian ties not only safeguards the national interests of both countries but contributes to global peace, stability and development.
President Putin will, during his visit, and together with China’s President Hu Jintao, attend the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia, the most significant event in bilateral ties this year.
China’s ambassador said that bilateral economic and trade ties are "moving on a fast track", saying the forms of cooperation are diversifying and the areas expanding.
Russian oil shipments via railway to China have been increasing steadily and Russia’s environmental authorities have cleared the planned oil pipeline that will reach China.
"Companies from both countries have reached a preliminary agreement on Russia’s supplying natural gas to China", said the ambassador.
China appreciates Russia’s support for its reunification cause and Russia’s opposition to "Taiwan independence" in any form, he added.