Xi, Putin agree to renew 2001 border agreement in video summit

June 28 (UPI) -- China and Russia agreed Monday to renew a 2001 agreement on border territories during a virtual summit between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin while underscoring a relationship of common interests, according to Chinese state media.

Xi and Putin met online to officially extend the China-Russia Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, 20 years after Xi's predecessor Jiang Zemin and Putin signed the accord on July 16, 2001, Xinhua reported Monday.

Xi, who has not held an in-person summit with Putin since November 2019, said the concept of China-Russia "generational friendship" established by the treaty is "in line with the fundamental interests of both countries." In 2001 the two sides agreed to not claim disputed territories.

The China-Russia relationship is "consistent with the theme of a peace era" and puts into application the "building of new international relations and a community of common destiny," Xi said.

Xi previously has used the phrase, community of common destiny or "community with a shared future for mankind," in previous statements.

The phrase was included in the preamble of China's Constitution in 2018 and refers to China's foreign policy goals that it claims includes peaceful development. Critics have said the phrase refers to Chinese ambition to replace the established international order.

The 2001 China-Russia Treaty includes an automatic extension clause that goes into effect every five years, unless one party requests the suspension of the accord a year before expiration. The agreement also includes obligations to contact and consult with the other in the event a "threat from a third country."

Xi said Monday that challenges face the two countries without mentioning China's adversaries by name.

"We do not know how many hills and traps we will have to cross on the way forward under the guidance of the spirit of the Treaty, but China and Russia will continue to come together and move forward steadily," Xi said, according to China Central Television.

Xi also held a dialogue with Putin earlier this year to show "deepening mutual trust," according to the Global Times.