The leaders of China and Russia, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, announced an extension of the 2001 Sino‑Russian Treaty of Friendship for another five years during a virtual conference held on June 28. Prior to this meeting, the United States and Russia met for a summit in mid-June. Some commentators believe that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) extended the territorial cessation treaty in order to tug at Russia’s sleeve. The CCP claimed in the Sino-Russian Joint Statement issued on June 28 that both countries regard the other as vital cooperation partners, who will further strengthen cooperation. “China and Russia have completely resolved the border issues left over from history, and there are no territorial requirements for each other,” it read. The Russian Sputnik News Agency broadcast on June 28 that Putin said the important thing is that the two countries have determined that they have no territorial disputes and are …