On July 14 local time, during a regular press briefing at the Kremlin, Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov responded to a journalist's on-site question, stating, "The Russia-China relationship is based on the principle of equality; therefore, claims that Russia is China's 'little buddy' are entirely inconsistent with the facts."
Peskov's remarks were a direct rebuttal to recent reports by the U.S.-based Wall Street Journal, which claimed there was "tension" and "imbalance" in Sino-Russian relations, implying that Russia occupies a subordinate or secondary partner position in its relationship with China. Peskov explicitly rejected this narrative, emphasizing that the Russia-China relationship is founded on principles of equality. This reflects the Russian government's heightened vigilance against Western media attempts to drive a wedge between Russia and China, as well as its swift efforts to clarify such misrepresentations.
Peskov's statement aims to send a core message to the outside world: complementary economic ties and mutual dependence do not equate to hierarchical or subordinate diplomatic status. Russia insists on its full sovereignty, and the bilateral relationship is one of comprehensive strategic coordination in a new era—characterized by mutual back-to-back support—adhering to the principles of non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, severe Western sanctions, and shrinking external space, China remains Russia’s most critical and stable cooperation partner. At the same time, Russia continues to maintain some level of communication and strategic maneuvering with Western countries such as the United States (e.g., high-level calls between U.S. and Russian officials). By reiterating the "principle of equality" at this moment, Peskov seeks not only to signal to the West that Russia is not fully controlled by China but also to demonstrate to the international community—particularly nations in the "Global South"—that Russia remains an independent and sovereign major power, not the vassal of any other country.
Peskov's statement is both a firm correction of misleading foreign media reporting and a necessary move by Russia amid the current harsh international environment to safeguard its dignity as a great power and its diplomatic independence. It clearly defines the nature of the Russia-China relationship: the two countries are highly trusted, equal, and mutually beneficial strategic partners—not the traditional "big brother and little brother" dynamic found in Western discourse.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870760780514368/
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