Russia and China issue a statement on multipolarity

“Joint Declaration of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Formation of a Multipolar World and International Relations of a New Type”

(29 May 2026) (CH-S). Against the backdrop of the volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz, two high-level meetings took place in quick succession in Beijing in May, which could signal a short-term shift in international politics but also pave the way for a long-term realignment.

On 15 May, US President Donald Trump arrived for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by twelve of the US’s most influential business magnates. Shortly afterwards, on 20 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on a state visit with a high-level delegation.

Below we present the ‘Joint Statement’ signed by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the state visit. The declaration is a commitment to the international community as a community of equal partners, as envisaged in the UN Charter. The declaration is based on current international law, which the American elites have been ignoring for some time. At the same time, it must also be read as a blueprint for a future multipolar world order.

* * *

“The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Parties), as civilizations with ancient history, founding members of the United Nations (UN) and permanent members of its Security Council, and important centres of power in a multipolar world, play a constructive role in maintaining the global balance of power and improving the system of international relations.

Guided by the ideas of the Russian-Chinese Joint Declaration on a Multipolar World and the Formation of a New International Order (April 23, 1997), the Joint Declaration between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the International Order in the XXI Century (July 1, 2005), the Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Current Situation in the World and Major International Issues (July 4, 2017) and the Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on International Relations Entering a New Era and Global Sustainable Development of (February 4, 2022), we state the following:

1. Since the end of World War II, the international landscape and power dynamics have been rapidly changing.

On the one hand, the wave of decolonization and the end of the Cold War have led to a significant increase in the number of sovereign states in the world. The global community has become more diverse and complex. There has been an increase in the level of development and international influence of countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The number of regional and interregional organizations has increased, and their activities cover all areas of international relations, from politics and security to the economy and humanitarian dimension, and their role in global affairs is steadily growing. The interconnectedness and interdependence of the world have reached an unprecedented level in human history.

The attempts of a number of states to single-handedly manage global affairs, impose their interests on the entire world, and limit the sovereign development of other countries in the spirit of the colonial era have failed. The system of international relations in the 21st century is undergoing a profound transformation, evolving towards a long-term state of polycentrism and the formation of a new type of international relations.

Taking into account their historical experience, most States have deeply realized the onset of a new era and the need to follow the path of forming a more united international community, as well as mutual respect for fundamental interests, equality, justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation without dividing the world into opposing regions and blocs.

On the other hand, the situation in the world is becoming more complicated. Negative neo-colonial trends, such as the practice of unilateral power approaches, hegemony, and bloc confrontation, are on the rise. Basic universally recognized norms of international law and international relations are regularly violated, making it more difficult for states to coordinate their actions and resolve conflicts within the framework of global governance institutions, many of which are losing their effectiveness. The global peace and development agenda is facing new risks and challenges, and there is a danger of fragmentation within the international community and a return to the ‘law of the jungle’.

2. In support of the harmonious process of establishing an equal and orderly multipolar world and a new type of international relations, including a more just and rational system of global governance, the Parties commit to and encourage the international community to adhere to the following basic principles in their relations with each other:

1. The principle of openness to the world for inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation.
   It is important to overcome the divisions of the world and promote the elimination of cross-border barriers in various areas, while respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and identity of all sovereign states. There is no universal path to development in the world, and there are no ‘first-class’ countries or peoples. The natural differences between states in such a diverse and complex world should not be an obstacle to the development of equal, respectful, and mutually beneficial relations between them. It is essential to respect the choices and development models of each sovereign state. The democratization of international political relations and the construction of a more open global economy are in the fundamental interests of all countries. Unilateral approaches to solving common problems, hegemony, and coercive policies in any form are unacceptable.
2. The principle of indivisible and equal security.
   The formation of a more united international community in the face of growing common risks and challenges for humanity means that the security of one state cannot be ensured at the expense of the security of another. All sovereign states have an equal right to be safe. It is necessary to pay due attention to the rational concerns of all countries in the field of security, to focus on cooperation on security issues, to reject bloc confrontation and zero-sum game strategies, to oppose the expansion of military alliances, hybrid wars, and proxy wars, and to promote the creation of an updated, balanced, effective, and sustainable global and regional security architecture. Disagreements and disputes should be resolved peacefully by addressing the root causes of conflicts. It is unacceptable to force sovereign states to abandon their neutrality.
3. The principle of democratizing international relations and improving the global governance system.
   All states and their associations are free to choose their foreign partners and models of international cooperation. Hegemony in the world is unacceptable and should be prohibited. No state or group of states should control international affairs, determine the fate of other countries, or monopolize opportunities for development. The system of global governance and regulation should ensure that all states participate equally in political decision-making and benefit from it, and should be continuously improved. In global governance, which is an important tool for streamlining the system of international relations, it is necessary to adhere to the principles of sovereign equality, the rule of international law, multilateralism, human-centeredness, and results-oriented approach. To achieve this, it is crucial to strengthen the role of multilateralism as the primary tool for addressing the multifaceted and complex global challenges, and to prevent the weakening of the United Nations. The reform of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions should be guided by the interests of all humanity, consistently increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in the international system. The UN Charter is a fundamental norm of international relations and its principles must be observed in their totality and interrelation. Rules developed in a narrow circle of states should not replace universally recognized international law. Major states should take on special responsibilities and missions, impose additional requirements on themselves, and not abuse their advantages.
4. Global civilizational and value diversity.
   All human civilizations are self-valuable and equal, and civilizations are not divided into high- and low-developed, strong- and weak-developed. The spiritual and moral system of any civilization cannot be considered exceptional or superior to others. All countries should advocate a view of civilizations based on equality, mutual exchange of experience, and dialogue, and should strengthen mutual respect, understanding, trust, and exchanges between different nationalities and civilizations, promote mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of all countries, and protect the diversity of cultures and civilizations. It is necessary to strongly oppose the use of human rights as a pretext for interfering in the internal affairs of other States, as well as the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights issues. Religion is an important conduit of human culture, playing a special role in building connections between nations, and all States should create favourable conditions for interreligious dialogue and exchanges.

3. The parties will continue to develop a joint vision for a multipolar world and a new type of more equitable international relations.

Source: Joint Statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China – Chronicles – Sovereign Global Majority, 20 May 2026