by Muhammad Asif Noor

 

 

President Xi Jinping addressed the 6th Eastern Economic Forum hosted by the President of the Russian Federation, sharing the message of enhanced cooperation and close partnership for mutual development in a greater Eurasian region.  The sixth Eastern Economic Forum was hosted by Russian Federation at Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok, with the theme of "The Opportunities for the Far East in a World under Transformation." President Xi highlighted the need for joining hands for coping with the critical times for common development especially the challenge of COVID-19 that the world is facing today. Eastern Economic Forum has become a significant platform for Russian Federation to reflect the country's important economic, business, and cultural resources to attract global collaboration and investment.  This forum has boosted the impetus for opportunities and cooperation between Russia and China to build a strong economic partnership.

 

The Forum has given impetus to significant regional economic dialogue and opportunities for collaboration. Chinese President has lauded the people of China for bravely defending Japanese imperialism during WWII especially on the eve of the 76th anniversary of a global disaster. China has always prompted the non-interference, protection, and respecting of the sovereignty of the state at the global and regional scale. China has always avoided wars and supported growth and shared prosperity in a spirit of good neighborliness to protect growth and development.  

 

Eastern Economic Forum is the landmark initiative of Russian President Putin to boost economic cooperation in Far East Asia and North-East Asia. Delegations from more than 60 countries participated in the event both virtually and physically at the Far Eastern Federal University. This forum has also provided strength to China-Russia bilateral ties. President Xi has always supported better relations with Russian Federation. Both countries have agreed in June 2021 to extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. President Xi highlighted that there is a need to extend this treaty for building the blocks of strong ties.

 

Both leaders acknowledged the need of expanding strategic coordination and advancing cooperation on a range of issues. It is pertinent to mention that both leading nations in Asia need to closely work together in times when Covid-19 is impeding global economic growth. There is no denying the fact that the world economy is in peril and states can only minimize the damage by close cooperation and mutual growth. President Xi asserted the need to benefit from the opportunities and mitigate the challenges in the North East.  

 

In expressing his vision to expand the sphere of cooperation, he presented BRI as the sole practical model to boost growth by linking it with Eurasian Economic Union and other Regional Frameworks as together they can fight against climate change and promote sustainable development across the region. In this regard, peace and security is the prerequisite to which he referred as critical. China is interested in promoting equal and sustainable development across the region to decrease instability and extremism. The comprehensive cooperation between regional states under the auspices of BRI, Eurasian Economic Council, and Eastern Economic Forum would usher in an era of cooperation, growth, peace, harmony, and tranquility.

 

President Xi also highlighted the role of Communist ideology which played a significant role in Chinese growth in composition with unique Chinese culture. Russia, with its distinctive culture, has its version of communism with a common aim of public welfare. This commonality gives them the confidence to mutually promote multilateralism, win-win cooperation, and build a community with a shared future. It is significant to note here the ongoing celebrations of the 100th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China. CPC has played a significant role not only in the national rejuvenation but impressively built a global ecosystem for development across the region and globe.

 

President Xi shared his outstanding vision and strategic guidance to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic with focused efforts to seek integration of anti-pandemic actions for the sake of collective health security. The cooperation between regional economic and political platforms is instrumental to generate a collective response to yield desired results. These days, few countries are only focusing on the politicization of the pandemic rather than contributing towards the global health efforts. China's efforts are globally laudable for not only providing vaccines to the countries but also supporting them through sharing of knowledge with the scientific process.

 

Additionally, Eastern Eurasian Forum reflects the highest level of cooperation and coordination between China and Russia on issues of mutual interests and concerns. Both countries have shared basic beliefs of common ideology, economic growth, regional integration, and a common future which gives both nations a strategic advantage over other major powers in the world. The consistent cooperation and goodwill between Russia and China further give confidence to regional countries to join the axis of peace, security, growth, and development.  The forum has huge potential to build strong economic and trade linkages with China and Russia.

 

Muhammad Asif Noor, the writer is Founder Director- Center for BRI and China Studies and Founder Friends of BRI Forum- Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies.

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