First 'Friendship Medal' to 'best friend' and 'confidant'

World
Europe

Editor’s note: The article is based on an interview with Guan Xueling, a professor at the School of Economics at Renmin University of China and James Rae, a Fulbright visiting scholar at Beijing Foreign Studies University. The article reflects the experts' opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Vladimir Putin has just been awarded the Friendship Medal by Chinese President Xi Jinping – the first time it has been presented. The Russian president is on a state visit to China ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Qingdao, east China.

"The Friendship Medal is the highest honor of China that awards our foreign friends who have made outstanding contributions to China's socialist modernization drives, promoted exchanges and cooperation between China and the world, and helped maintain world peace," President Xi said at the awarding ceremony.

President Xi awarded the Friendship Medal to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People on June 8,2018. /VCG Photo.

“This reflects the Chinese government's affirmation of President Putin’s contribution to the advancement of the Sino-Russian friendship. The exchanges between the two countries have not been smooth. In the process of advancement, the highly political trust between the leaders of China and Russia has enabled the two countries to resolve various conflicts,” said Guan Xueling, a professor at the School of Economics at Renmin University of China.

China's ties with Russia have grown stronger over the years. The two coordinate closely on global affairs and have laid the groundwork for linking the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union.

The Friendship Medal during a ceremony to award Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People on June 8,2018. /VCG Photo.

Last year, Putin honored Xi with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, for his work in strengthening the friendship between the people of Russia and China, marking the countries' close friendship.

"This medal serves as recognition from Russia of your special merits in developing the all-encompassing partnership and strategic cooperation between our governments," Putin said to Xi.

The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle was established as the first and highest order of chivalry of the Russian Empire in 1698, but was abolished under the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1918. Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin re-established it as the top Russian order in 1998.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R front) poses for a photo with players as he attends an ice hockey match between junior teams at Tianjin Arena. /VCG Photo.

The order is awarded to prominent statesmen and public figures and representatives in promoting the prosperity, greatness and glory of Russia. It can also be awarded to foreign heads of state for outstanding services to Russia.

Guan said she was very lucky that she had twice witnessed the award ceremony above in person between the two countries, from which she could feel the deep friendship between China and Russia, as well as President Xi and Putin.

“President Xi and Putin keep a very good personal relationship. Xi’s character and his love for the family and nation have won the friendship and respect from Putin. And of course, Putin himself also has a high reputation and is popular among Chinese people. China values the exchange of courtesies. Last year, President Putin gave President Xi an honor. This year China also expressed respect for a friend in this way.”

President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin jointly took a high-speed rail to Tianjin to attend the Sino-Russian friendship exchanges on June.8,2018. /WWW.NEWS.CN Photo.

In an interview with the president of China Media Group Shen Haixiong ahead of his visit to China, Putin spoke about the celebration of his birthday with Xi during which the two leaders drank vodka and carved some sausage.

"Perhaps President Xi is the only national leader who has celebrated my birthday with me. I’ve never had such a relationship or arrangement with any other foreign colleague, but I did it with President Xi," Putin told Shen.

Referring to Xi's character, Putin said “He is a remarkable thinker who likes to analyze problems. As far as I’m concerned, he is an appropriate partner and a good friend I can count on."

To his appreciation, President Xi also gave him a very high response by saying "he is the most well-known and most respected leader of a major country to the Chinese people. He is also my best friend and confidant."

This is a private friendship between the two men. It is also a mutual appreciation between the leaders of the two countries with heavy status in the world.

On June 8, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Qingdao by special plane. He will attend the 18th SCO Summit from the June 9 to 10. /VCG Photo.

“Russia and China strategic interests are aligned nowadays, still the United States and all of Europe are strategically aligned, but they have personal animosity between the leaders, and that can jeopardize the relationship. So the strong relationship that's been built over years between President Xi and President Putin allows China and Russia to operate informally and strategize their interests and all these various issues that come up in the world,” said James Braid, a professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

In James’ opinion, there are 20 years of consistent partnership between China and Russia. On issues like the Syrian civil war, opposition to America’s bombing of the suspected chemical weapons plant, and the Iran nuclear deal, they take the same side.

On the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, they both want to see a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, but are concerned about the upcoming Kim-Trump summit. On trade, China and Russia say they favor open trade against US pressure of economic protectionism.