China-Russia Sign Friendship Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin had a Summit in Moscow yesterday. At the Summit, they signed a friendship treaty and declared to construct a `strategic partner relationship` between two countries.

The treaty that two countries signed is a replacement of the China-Soviet Friendship Treaty discontinued in 1980s. The treaty proclaims cooperation of both countries in various fields including issues about politics, economy, and military.

President Jiang said, ``This treaty will be a milestone for the development of Russia-Chinese relations to be consistent and healthy in 21st century.``

The two presidents made it clear that they oppose against America¡¯s missile defense system and agreed to jointly deal with the missile issue.

In a statement announced upon his arrival in Moscow on 15th, President Jiang said, ``The new treaty will contribute for peace and development of the region and of the world as well.``

After discussing about pending issues of East Asia and the Middle East, the two presidents declared the `Moscow Joint Declaration` in which both countries¡¯ positions on the Islamic fundamentalism, the terrorism, and strategic stability were expressed.

The Summit is becoming the center of world attention since it was held right before the Group of 7 (G 7) summit held in Jeneva, Italy, and the Group of 8 (G 8) summit in Russia.

President Jiang is staying in Moscow until 18th having the second summit.

kimkihy@donga.com