Editor's Note: Ju Hao is the assistant research fellow at the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is currently on an official visit to Russia for the 24th China-Russian Prime Ministers' Regular Meeting. And relations between the two countries are at its peak.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership is a good model of relationship between major powers. Politically, the mechanism of cooperation has helped to enhance trust between the two countries. Their shared border has not been a source of strife, but a bond of peace and cooperation. 

Economically, there have been fruitful results, with a record-high trade volume of over 100 billion U.S. dollars. Moreover, exchanges and communication between the two have become increasingly frequent, and reached a new high this year with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

Some people believe the two are getting closer because Russia is facing political sanctions and economic blockade from the West. If relations between Russia and the western countries rebound, the China-Russia relationship will be negatively affected.

Such an argument is questionable because the rapid development of the China-Russia relations has its own internal logic and could hardly be influenced by other factors. 

As an old saying goes, you can't choose your neighbors. As two neighboring countries with a long, shared border, a harmonious bilateral relationship benefits them, while a confrontational one hurts. Leaders of the two countries have already drawn wisdom from 70 years bilateral ties and understand this. They want to  build a peaceful and productive relationship and maintain a good momentum of development for both countries.

China and Russia also complement each other economically. The two collaborate in various fields, including trade, energy, transportation as well as technology and innovation. Although the previous cooperation has made great achievements, the potential for cooperation is still huge. This lays a good foundation for in-depth cooperation in the future.

Last but not least, the bilateral relations between China and Russia are featured by non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting on third parties. The close ties between China and Russia has no negative effect upon the other countries. Other countries should not divide or confront China and Russia simply because the two enjoy a good relationship. 

Recently, French President Macron invited Russia to return to G8. Alongside Macron, Russian President Putin said that "any contacts with our partners in any format, are useful. We would not refuse it." Generally, the reason for the warming relations of Russia with EU countries, especially with France, is that the sanctions against Russia has achieved limited results. Instead, it hurt their economic and trade relationship. Given the high economic interdependence between the two sides, European countries have to some extent adjusted their policies towards Russia.

Meanwhile, China and France have striven to build a close and long-term comprehensive strategic partnership. The improvement of Russia-France relations is not only good news for Russia and France, but also benefits China's diplomacy. On the other hand, Russia's improving relationship with France and the west wouldn't affect its attitude and policies towards China, especially given its historical friendship, complementary development, and good chemistry of cooperation with China.

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