Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation

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Country/entity: China
Russia
Region: Asia and Pacific
Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation
Date: 16 Jul 2001
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Interstate/interstate conflict
Sino-Soviet Border Conflict (1969 - 1991)
Lasting 7 months, this undeclared border war erupted at the height of the Sino-Soviet split in March 1969 in the area of Zhenbao on the Wusuli River. Ten years earlier, the two allies had stood as champions of communism. Indeed, Soviet Russia played a key role in supporting Communist rebels against the nationalist Koumintang. However, relations soured over differences in ideology and leadership and although a border treaty was drawn up in 1965, Nikita Krushchev refused to sign after allegations by Mao Zedong were leaked that Tsarist Russia had stripped China of its historical territory. Accounts of the conflict vary between Chinese and Russian historians. Nonetheless, a People's Liberation Army raid on a Soviet border outpost on March 2, 1969 left over a hundred dead. Although, the conflict brought both countries to the brink of a greater war, with troops amassing on both sides, this outcome was avoided. The conflict was formally ended in September 1991 with the first border demarcation agreement.Other agreements were signed with formerly-Soviet States included Kazakhstan.
Stage: Framework/substantive - partial
Conflict nature: Territory
Peace process: China-Russia border dispute peace process
Parties: President Jiang Zemin for the People's Republic of China, and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation.
Third parties: -
Description: Agreement aimed at solving the tensions of the Sino-Russian Border war of 1969, emphasising inter-state cooperation in areas of strategic interest, including cooperation in the UN Security Council (Art. 13), adherence to the Five Principles and international law, reaffirmation of the one-China Policy and non-proliferation. Treaty to last 20 years.

Agreement document: CN_RU_010711_Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): Page 1, Article 1
In accordance with universally recognized principles and norms of international laws and on the basis of the Five Principles of mutual respect of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, the contracting parties shall develops the strategic cooperative partnership of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation and equality and trust between the two countries from a long-term view and in a comprehensive manner.

Page 2, Article 4
The Chinese side supports the Russian side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.
The Russian side supports the Chinese side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China.

Page 2, Article 5
The Russian side reaffirms that the principled stand on the Taiwan issue as expounded in the political documents signed and adopted by the heads of states of the two countries from 1992 to 2000 remain unchanged. The Russian side acknowledges that there is only one China in the world, that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Russian side opposes any form of Taiwan’s independence.

Page 2, Article 6
The contracting parties point out with satisfaction that each has no territorial claim on the other and both are resolved to make active efforts in building the border between the two countries into one where ever-lasting peace and friendship prevail. The contracting parties will adhere to the principles of non-encroachment upon territories and national boundaries as stipulated in international laws and strictly observe the national boundary between the two countries.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: Page 2, Article 5
The Russian side reaffirms that the principled stand on the Taiwan issue as expounded in the political documents signed and adopted by the heads of states of the two countries from 1992 to 2000 remain unchanged. The Russian side acknowledges that there is only one China in the world, that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Russian side opposes any form of Taiwan’s independence.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: Page 2, Article 6
... The contracting parties shall continue to hold talks on the pending boundary alignment of the sectors which China and Russia have not yet arrived at an agreement through consultations. Prior to the settlement of these issues, the two sides will maintain the status quo in such boundary sectors.
Cross-border provision: Page 4, Article 15
In accordance with the two countries’ inter-governmental agreements concerned and other documents relating to the handling of creditor’s rights and liabilities, each side of the contracting parties recognizes the lawful right of ownership of the assets and other properties which belong to the other side and which are located within the territory of the other contracting party.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: No specific mention.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: Page 5, Article 18
The contracting parties shall cooperate in promoting the realization of human rights and fundamental freedom in accordance with the international obligations each is committed and the national laws of each country.
In line with the international obligations each of the contracting parties is committed and the laws and regulations of each country, the contracting party shall take effective measures to guarantee the legal rights and interests of legal persons and natural persons of the other contracting party who reside within its territory, and provide the necessary legal assistance over civil and criminal matters.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: Page 1, Untitled Preamble, ... With the hope of promoting and establishing a just and fair new world order based on universally recognized principles and norms of international laws,

Page 1, Article 1
In accordance with universally recognized principles and norms of international laws and on the basis of the Five Principles of mutual respect of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, the contracting parties shall develops the strategic cooperative partnership of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation and equality and trust between the two countries from a long-term view and in a comprehensive manner.

Page 1-2, Article 2
In handling their mutual relations, the contracting parties will neither resort to the use of force ;or the threat of force nor take economic and other means to bring pressure to bear against the other. The contracting parties will only solve their differences through peaceful means by adhering to the provisions of the "United Nations Charter" and the principles and norms of universally recognized international laws.

Page 2, Article 6
The contracting parties point out with satisfaction that each has no territorial claim on the other and both are resolved to make active efforts in building the border between the two countries into one where ever-lasting peace and friendship prevail. The contracting parties will adhere to the principles of non-encroachment upon territories and national boundaries as stipulated in international laws and strictly observe the national boundary between the two countries.

Page 3-4, Article 11
The contracting parties stand for the strict observation of universally acknowledged principles and norms of international laws and oppose any action of resorting to the use of force to bring pressure to bear on others or interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign state under all sorts of pretexts and both are ready to make positive efforts to strengthen peace, stability, development and cooperation throughout the world.

Page 5, Article 18
The contracting parties shall cooperate in promoting the realization of human rights and fundamental freedom in accordance with the international obligations each is committed and the national laws of each country.
In line with the international obligations each of the contracting parties is committed and the laws and regulations of each country, the contracting party shall take effective measures to guarantee the legal rights and interests of legal persons and natural persons of the other contracting party who reside within its territory, and provide the necessary legal assistance over civil and criminal matters.
The departments concerned of the contracting parties, in accordance with relevant laws, shall conduct investigation and seek a solution to the problems and disputes arising from the process of carrying out cooperation and business activities by the legal persons and natural persons within the territory of the other side of the contracting parties.

Page 6, Article 22
This Treaty neither affects the rights and obligations of the contracting parties in other international treaties of which they are a party to it, nor is it directed against any third country.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Other
Page 5,
article 16
In accordance with their national laws and international treaties of which they are a party, the contracting parties shall protect and maintain intellectual property rights, including copyright and other relevant rights.

Page 5, Article 19
The contracting parties shall carry out cooperation in the protection and improvement of the environment, prevention of cross-border pollution, the fair and rational use of water resources along the border areas and the use of biological resources in the northern Pacific and boundary river areas; make joint efforts in protecting rare floras, faunas and the natural ecosystem, and conduct cooperation in preventing the outbreak of major accidents arising from natural disasters or due to technical reasons and eliminating their after—effects .
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: Page 4, Article 15
In accordance with the two countries’ inter-governmental agreements concerned and other documents relating to the handling of creditor’s rights and liabilities, each side of the contracting parties recognizes the lawful right of ownership of the assets and other properties which belong to the other side and which are located within the territory of the other contracting party.

Page 4-5, Article 16
On the basis of mutual benefit, the contracting parties shall conduct cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, military know-how, science and technology, energy resources, transport, nuclear energy, finance, aerospace and aviation, information technology and other areas of common interest. They shall promote economic and trade cooperation in border areas and local regions between the two countries and create necessary and favourable conditions in this regard in accordance with the laws of each country.
The contracting parties shall energetically enhance and develop exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health, information, tourism, sports and legal matters.
In accordance with their national laws and international treaties of which they are a party, the contracting parties shall protect and maintain intellectual property rights, including copyright and other relevant rights.

Page 5, Article 17
The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation in world financial institutions, economic organizations and forums, and in line with the rules and regulations of the above-mentioned institutions, organizations and forums, make efforts to promote the participation of a contracting party in the above-mentioned institutions of which the other contracting party is already a member (or member state).
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: Socio-economic reconstruction→Banks→International finance
Page 5, Article 17
The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation in world financial institutions, economic organizations and forums, and in line with the rules and regulations of the above-mentioned institutions, organizations and forums, make efforts to promote the participation of a contracting party in the above-mentioned institutions of which the other contracting party is already a member (or member state).

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: Land, property and environment→Cultural heritage→Tangible
Page 4-5, Article 16
... The contracting parties shall energetically enhance and develop exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health, information, tourism, sports and legal matters.
Environment: Page 5, Article 19
The contracting parties shall carry out cooperation in the protection and improvement of the environment, prevention of cross-border pollution, the fair and rational use of water resources along the border areas and the use of biological resources in the northern Pacific and boundary river areas; make joint efforts in protecting rare floras, faunas and the natural ecosystem, and conduct cooperation in preventing the outbreak of major accidents arising from natural disasters or due to technical reasons and eliminating their after—effects .
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1-2, Article 2
In handling their mutual relations, the contracting parties will neither resort to the use of force ;or the threat of force nor take economic and other means to bring pressure to bear against the other. The contracting parties will only solve their differences through peaceful means by adhering to the provisions of the "United Nations Charter" and the principles and norms of universally recognized international laws.

Page 1-2, Article 2
... The contracting parties reaffirm their commitment that they will not be the first to use nuclear weapons against each other nor target strategic nuclear missiles against each other.

Page 2, Article 4
The Chinese side supports the Russian side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.
The Russian side supports the Chinese side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China.

Page 2, Article 6
The contracting parties point out with satisfaction that each has no territorial claim on the other and both are resolved to make active efforts in building the border between the two countries into one where ever-lasting peace and friendship prevail. The contracting parties will adhere to the principles of non-encroachment upon territories and national boundaries as stipulated in international laws and strictly observe the national boundary between the two countries.

Page 2-3, Article 7
... The contracting parties shall make efforts to ensure its own national security in accordance with the principle of maintaining reasonable and adequate weapons and armed forces.

Page 3, Article 8
The contracting parties shall not enter into any alliance or be a party to any bloc nor shall they embark on any such action, including the conclusion of such treaty with a third country which compromises the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party. Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow its territory to be used by a third country to jeopardize the national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party.
Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow the setting up of organizations or gangs on its own soil which shall impair the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contrasting party and their activities should be prohibited.

Page 3, Article 9
When a situation arises in which one of the contracting parties deems that peace is being threatened and undermined or its security interests are involved or when it is confronted with the threat of aggression, the contracting parties shall immediately hold contacts and consultations in order to eliminate such threats.

Page 3-4, Article 11
... The contracting parties are against any action which may constitute a threat to international stability, security and peace and will conduct mutual co-ordination with regard to the prevention of international conflicts and bringing about their political settlement.

Page 4, Article 12
The contracting parties shall work together for the maintenance of global strategic balance and stability and make great efforts in promoting the observation of the basic agreements relevant to the safeguard and maintenance of strategic stability.
The contracting parties shall actively promote the process of nuclear disarmament and the reduction of chemical weapons, promote and strengthen the regimes on the prohibition of biological weapons and take measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and their related technology.

Page 4, Article 14
The contracting parties shall energetically promote the consolidation of stability of the surrounding areas of the two countries, create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, trust and cooperation, and promote efforts aimed at setting up a multi-lateral co-ordination mechanism which complies with the actual situation of the above-mentioned areas on issues of security and cooperation.
Ceasefire: No specific mention.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2-3, Article 7
In accordance with the current agreements, the contracting parties shall adopt measures to increase trust between their militaries and reduce military forces in the border areas. The contracting parties shall expand and deepen confidence building measures in the military field so as to consolidate each others security and strengthen regional and international stability.

Page 2-3, Article 7
... The contracting parties shall make efforts to ensure its own national security in accordance with the principle of maintaining reasonable and adequate weapons and armed forces.

Page 2-3, Article 7
... The military and military technology cooperation of the contracting parties carried out in accordance with the relevant agreements are not directed at third countries.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 3, Article 8
The contracting parties shall not enter into any alliance or be a party to any bloc nor shall they embark on any such action, including the conclusion of such treaty with a third country which compromises the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party. Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow its territory to be used by a third country to jeopardize the national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party.
Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow the setting up of organizations or gangs on its own soil which shall impair the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contrasting party and their activities should be prohibited.

Page 6, Article 20
The contracting parties, in accordance with the laws of each country and the international obligation each has committed, shall actively cooperate in cracking down terrorists, splittists and extremists, and in taking strong measures against criminal activities of organized crimes, illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and weapons. The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation to crack down on illegal immigration, including the crack down on illegal transportation of natural persons via its territory.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: Page 6, Article 20
The contracting parties, in accordance with the laws of each country and the international obligation each has committed, shall actively cooperate in cracking down terrorists, splittists and extremists, and in taking strong measures against criminal activities of organized crimes, illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and weapons. The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation to crack down on illegal immigration, including the crack down on illegal transportation of natural persons via its territory.
Drugs: Page 6, Article 20
The contracting parties, in accordance with the laws of each country and the international obligation each has committed, shall actively cooperate in cracking down terrorists, splittists and extremists, and in taking strong measures against criminal activities of organized crimes, illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and weapons. The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation to crack down on illegal immigration, including the crack down on illegal transportation of natural persons via its territory.
Terrorism: Page 6, Article 20
The contracting parties, in accordance with the laws of each country and the international obligation each has committed, shall actively cooperate in cracking down terrorists, splittists and extremists, and in taking strong measures against criminal activities of organized crimes, illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and weapons. The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation to crack down on illegal immigration, including the crack down on illegal transportation of natural persons via its territory.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 6, Article 25
The term of validity of the present treaty is twenty years. If neither side of the contracting parties notify the other in writing of its desire to terminate the treaty one year before the treaty expires, the treaty shall automatically be extended for another five years and shall thereafter be continued in force in accordance with this provision.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: Voltairenet.org, http://www.voltairenet.org/article173177.html [accessed 10 October 2016]

Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation Between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation

16 July 2001

The People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation (hereafter known as the "contracting parties"),

In view of the historical tradition of good-neighborliness and friendship between the people of China and Russia,

Hold that the Sino-Russian Joint Declarations and Statements signed and adopted by the heads of states of the two countries from 1992 to 2000 which are of great significance to the development of bilateral relations,

Firmly believe that to consolidate the friendly and good neighborly ties and mutual cooperation in all fields between the two countries is in conformity with the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries and conducive to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in Asia and the world,

Reiterate the obligations committed by each party in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other international treaties of which it is a signatory,

With the hope of promoting and establishing a just and fair new world order based on universally recognized principles and norms of international laws,

Endeavor to enhance relations between the two countries to a completely new level, Determined to develop the friendship between the people of the two countries from generation to generation,

Have reached agreement as follows:

Article 1

In accordance with universally recognized principles and norms of international laws and on the basis of the Five Principles of mutual respect of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, the contracting parties shall develops the strategic cooperative partnership of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation and equality and trust between the two countries from a long-term view and in a comprehensive manner.

Article 2

In handling their mutual relations, the contracting parties will neither resort to the use of force ;

or the threat of force nor take economic and other means to bring pressure to bear against the other.

The contracting parties will only solve their differences through peaceful means by adhering to the provisions of the "United Nations Charter" and the principles and norms of universally recognized international laws.

The contracting parties reaffirm their commitment that they will not be the first to use nuclear weapons against each other nor target strategic nuclear missiles against each other.

Article 3

The contracting parties respect each other’s choice for the course of political, economic, social and cultural development in line with their nation’s actual conditions so as to ensure a long-term and stable development of relations between the two countries.

Article 4

The Chinese side supports the Russian side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.

The Russian side supports the Chinese side in its policies on the issue of defending the national unity and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China.

Article 5

The Russian side reaffirms that the principled stand on the Taiwan issue as expounded in the political documents signed and adopted by the heads of states of the two countries from 1992 to 2000 remain unchanged.

The Russian side acknowledges that there is only one China in the world, that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

The Russian side opposes any form of Taiwan’s independence.

Article 6

The contracting parties point out with satisfaction that each has no territorial claim on the other and both are resolved to make active efforts in building the border between the two countries into one where ever-lasting peace and friendship prevail.

The contracting parties will adhere to the principles of non-encroachment upon territories and national boundaries as stipulated in international laws and strictly observe the national boundary between the two countries.

The contracting parties shall continue to hold talks on the pending boundary alignment of the sectors which China and Russia have not yet arrived at an agreement through consultations.

Prior to the settlement of these issues, the two sides will maintain the status quo in such boundary sectors.

Article 7

In accordance with the current agreements, the contracting parties shall adopt measures to increase trust between their militaries and reduce military forces in the border areas.

The contracting parties shall expand and deepen confidence building measures in the military field so as to consolidate each other?s security and strengthen regional and international stability.

The contracting parties shall make efforts to ensure its own national security in accordance with the principle of maintaining reasonable and adequate weapons and armed forces.

The military and military technology cooperation of the contracting parties carried out in accordance with the relevant agreements are not directed at third countries.

Article 8

The contracting parties shall not enter into any alliance or be a party to any bloc nor shall they embark on any such action, including the conclusion of such treaty with a third country which compromises the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party.

Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow its territory to be used by a third country to jeopardize the national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party.

Neither side of the contracting parties shall allow the setting up of organizations or gangs on its own soil which shall impair the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contrasting party and their activities should be prohibited.

Article 9

When a situation arises in which one of the contracting parties deems that peace is being threatened and undermined or its security interests are involved or when it is confronted with the threat of aggression, the contracting parties shall immediately hold contacts and consultations in order to eliminate such threats.

Article 10

The contracting parties shall employ and perfect the mechanism for regular meetings at all levels, above all the summit and high-level meetings, to conduct periodic exchanges of views and co-ordinate their stand on bilateral ties and on important and urgent international issues of common concern so as to reinforce the strategic cooperative partnership of equality and trust.

Article 11

The contracting parties stand for the strict observation of universally acknowledged principles and norms of international laws and oppose any action of resorting to the use of force to bring pressure to bear on others or interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign state under all sorts of pretexts and both are ready to make positive efforts to strengthen peace, stability, development and cooperation throughout the world.

The contracting parties are against any action which may constitute a threat to international stability, security and peace and will conduct mutual co-ordination with regard to the prevention of international conflicts and bringing about their political settlement.

Article 12

The contracting parties shall work together for the maintenance of global strategic balance and stability and make great efforts in promoting the observation of the basic agreements relevant to the safeguard and maintenance of strategic stability.

The contracting parties shall actively promote the process of nuclear disarmament and the reduction of chemical weapons, promote and strengthen the regimes on the prohibition of biological weapons and take measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and their related technology.

Article 13

The contracting parties shall strengthen their cooperation in the United Nations and its Security Council as well as other United Nations Special Agencies.

The contracting parties shall work to reinforce the central role of the United Nations as the most authoritative and most universal world organization composed of sovereign states in handling international affairs, particularly in the realm of peace and development and guarantee the major responsibility of the UN Security Council in the area of maintaining international peace and security.

Article 14

The contracting parties shall energetically promote the consolidation of stability of the surrounding areas of the two countries, create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, trust and cooperation, and promote efforts aimed at setting up a multi-lateral co-ordination mechanism which complies with the actual situation of the above-mentioned areas on issues of security and cooperation.

Article 15

In accordance with the two countries’ inter-governmental agreements concerned and other documents relating to the handling of creditor’s rights and liabilities, each side of the contracting parties recognizes the lawful right of ownership of the assets and other properties which belong to the other side and which are located within the territory of the other contracting party.

Article 16

On the basis of mutual benefit, the contracting parties shall conduct cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, military know-how, science and technology, energy resources, transport, nuclear energy, finance, aerospace and aviation, information technology and other areas of common interest.

They shall promote economic and trade cooperation in border areas and local regions between the two countries and create necessary and favourable conditions in this regard in accordance with the laws of each country.

The contracting parties shall energetically enhance and develop exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health, information, tourism, sports and legal matters.

In accordance with their national laws and international treaties of which they are a party, the contracting parties shall protect and maintain intellectual property rights, including copyright and other relevant rights.

Article 17

The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation in world financial institutions, economic organizations and forums, and in line with the rules and regulations of the above-mentioned institutions, organizations and forums, make efforts to promote the participation of a contracting party in the above-mentioned institutions of which the other contracting party is already a member (or member state).

Article 18

The contracting parties shall cooperate in promoting the realization of human rights and fundamental freedom in accordance with the international obligations each is committed and the national laws of each country.

In line with the international obligations each of the contracting parties is committed and the laws and regulations of each country, the contracting party shall take effective measures to guarantee the legal rights and interests of legal persons and natural persons of the other contracting party who reside within its territory, and provide the necessary legal assistance over civil and criminal matters.

The departments concerned of the contracting parties, in accordance with relevant laws, shall conduct investigation and seek a solution to the problems and disputes arising from the process of carrying out cooperation and business activities by the legal persons and natural persons within the territory of the other side of the contracting parties.

Article 19

The contracting parties shall carry out cooperation in the protection and improvement of the environment, prevention of cross-border pollution, the fair and rational use of water resources along the border areas and the use of biological resources in the northern Pacific and boundary river areas;

make joint efforts in protecting rare floras, faunas and the natural ecosystem, and conduct cooperation in preventing the outbreak of major accidents arising from natural disasters or due to technical reasons and eliminating their after—effects .

Article 20

The contracting parties, in accordance with the laws of each country and the international obligation each has committed, shall actively cooperate in cracking down terrorists, splittists and extremists, and in taking strong measures against criminal activities of organized crimes, illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances and weapons.

The contracting parties shall conduct cooperation to crack down on illegal immigration, including the crack down on illegal transportation of natural persons via its territory.

Article 21

The contracting parties attach great importance to the exchanges and cooperation between the central (federal) legislative organs and law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

The contracting parties shall promote with great efforts the exchanges and cooperation between the judicial organs of the two countries.

Article 22

This Treaty neither affects the rights and obligations of the contracting parties in other international treaties of which they are a party to it, nor is it directed against any third country.

Article 23

To implement the present Treaty, the contracting parties shall actively promote the signing of accords in specific realms which are of interests to both sides.

Article 24

This Treaty needs to be ratified and shall come into force from the date of the exchange of instruments of ratification.

The exchange of instruments of ratification shall take place in Beijing.

Article 25

The term of validity of the present treaty is twenty years.

If neither side of the contracting parties notify the other in writing of its desire to terminate the treaty one year before the treaty expires, the treaty shall automatically be extended for another five years and shall thereafter be continued in force in accordance with this provision.

Done in Moscow on July 16, 2001 in two copies, each in the Chinese and Russian languages, both texts being equally authentic.