Beijing lauds Larvov’s remarks on alleged "Chinese threat"

BEIJING, July 17. /TASS/. China appreciates Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement who said that China posed no threat to Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang told reporters at a press briefing on Wednesday. "China appreciates [Russian] Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov’s remarks concerning Russian-Chinese relations and supports his stance," the Chinese diplomat stressed. He noted that relations between the two countries had reached an unprecedented level of development under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. "For many years, we have provided each other with reliable and substantial support and reached a deep level of political mutual trust. Facts have shown us that this kind of relationship between the two major powers has great strength and huge potential," the diplomat pointed out. "These relations gave us confidence and ability to counter any challenges. Any attempts to provoke a rift between China and Russia are doomed to failure. We are confident that our relations will be stronger, more stable and active." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Argumenty I Fakty daily published on Wednesday that China posed no threat to Russia. According to Russia’s top diplomat, the final settlement of the Russian-Chinese border issue was achieved long ago, and "attempts to promulgate the 'Chinese threat' myth can be traced back to those concerned about the constructive development of the Russian-Chinese ties." Commenting on rumors that about 12 million Chinese people live in Russia’s Far East and Siberia regions, Lavrov said he doubted the accuracy of those figures, adding that concerns about the issue were "clearly exaggerated." He noted that the Russian-Chinese cooperation was not directed against anyone. Its main goal is to assist social and economic development and prosperity of the two countries, the minister added. Read more