Editor's note: The article is based on interviews with Duan Junze, a research assistant at the Institute of Russian Studies of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on countries in the region to increase mutual trust and safeguard peace, stressing that a stable and consolidated Northeast Asia is good for the entire world on Sept. 12, 2018.

President Xi made the remarks during his speech to the plenary session of the fourth Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in the Far Eastern Russian port city of Vladivostok.

Xi's address was welcomed by Duan Junze, a research assistant at the Institute of Russian Studies of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, who said the Chinese president's EEF attendance was a great addition to the forum, giving it more exposure and broader influence.

Duan noted that Xi's attendance and address demonstrate China's determination to deepen cooperation with its neighbors in order to reap mutual benefits and create a bulwark against the US' protectionist tendencies.  

This is the first time that Xi has attended the forum, in its fourth edition this year, marking a milestone for the EEF, according to the expert. Duan expressed his belief that the forum has generated international headlines in part because of President Xi was in attendance.

Xi's willingness to increase mutual trust in Northeast Asia was praised by Duan amid rising unilateralism and protectionism worldwide.  

In a world where protectionism is becoming increasingly more popular, China's solution is the best way to counter the US' trade bullying.

China is constantly seeking mutual benefits with its neighbors, while the US is focused on its own interests, Duan said. As US President Donald Trump has created tensions with its neighbors Canada and Mexico, China has increased cooperation in the Russian Far East.

"Since the beginning of this year, China-Russia relations have shown a more positive development momentum and entered a new era of faster and higher-level development," said President Xi during a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on the sidelines of the forum on September 11, 2018.

President Xi's speech is the embodiment of China's philosophy in terms of foreign affairs policy. Duan said China will never play a zero-sum game; instead, Beijing has always been an advocate and defender of multilateralism as it seeks mutual benefit. China's cooperation with Russia in the Far East region is a good case in point.

This includes China's investment in the region, as well as deepening cooperation with regards to cultural communication, tourism, and resources. Duan believes cooperation will lead to more chances for both sides to capitalize on their respective advantages: China's capital and labor force and Russia's resources.

Russia's economic potential is reflected in its Far East region, which is famous for its natural resources but poor infrastructure. Far East region is becoming more important for Russia, especially at a time of severe Western sanctions, Duan said. Both China and Russia are casualties of Washington's trade bullying. Therefore it is necessary for them to deepen their cooperation, which has been highlighted during President Xi's speech.

According to Duan, China's cooperation with Russia will show that the world can only benefit from opening up. Against a background of rising unilateralism, the world will profit from China's efforts towards safeguarding multilateralism.

Duan also expressed the belief that President Xi's speech is important because it lets the world hear China's voice particularly in the context of the US' trade crusades around the world.

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