Visit will bolster championing of fair, equitable and sustainable global system: China Daily editorial

As the world marks the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the Great Patriotic War, President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia underscores a partnership rooted in historical solidarity and shared aspirations for fairer global governance and a more equitable world order.

President Xi's visit to Russia, his 11th since taking office, is a testament to the significance of the bilateral relations between these two major countries and the profound impact of their collaborative efforts to usher in a multipolar world.

The bond between China and Russia holds profound significance for the Global South. Both nations have emerged as key advocates for equitable global governance, countering unilateralism and hegemonism. Their partnership, forged during the Anti-Fascist War, remains a cornerstone of their modern-day cooperation. The legacy of mutual support, as Xi emphasized in a signed article published by Russian media during his visit, flows like the Yellow River and the Volga — timeless, broad, and a foundation for enduring friendship.

Amid rising unilateralism, Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their nations' alignment on core interests. Russia reiterated its unwavering adherence to the one-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China — a position supported by international law, including the Cairo Declaration and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

The deepening of bilateral relations between China and Russia will not only bolster their own ties but also enhance the functioning of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS. At a time when the developing countries are demanding that their needs be taken into account in global governance, the bond between Russia and China serves as a firm guarantee that the Global South can no longer be excluded from the decision-making process.

China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humankind aligns with the goal of fostering an inclusive and cooperative world order. By uniting countries in the Global South around common objectives, China and Russia are providing a constructive counterbalance to destabilizing forces and unilateral agendas that prioritize narrow interests over collective well-being.

President Xi's visit is expected to not only consolidate the strategic partnership between China and Russia but also act as a touchstone for solidarity over division, communication over confrontation, and cooperation over zero-sum competition.

As Xi wrote in the Russian media article, "In today's world, the peace deficit, development deficit, security deficit and governance deficit are increasing", and reform of the global governance system is imperative to take into account the reasonable concerns of all parties, and maintain a peaceful and stable world built on rules and consultations.

China-Russia relations have clear historical logic and a strong endogenous driving force. Through joint construction and sharing and partnership and dialogue, they are demonstrating how to stand on the right side of history.