Old friends in a new era

Editor's note: China Institute of International Studies released a report titled "China-Russia Relations in the New Era" on Friday, saying their bilateral ties are at a historically high level because of leadership diplomacy. Below are excerpts from the speeches of three experts at the report's launch event.

Promising prospect for China, Russia

China and Russia, as each other's largest neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for the new era, are major countries in the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council. Both countries pursue independent foreign policies and place the bilateral relations high on their diplomatic agendas. The development of China-Russia relations has an inevitable historical logic and strong internal driving forces. The relationship, based on principles of equality, mutual respect and beneficial cooperation, is now at its best in history and has become a model between major countries and neighbors.