The state-run Global Times on May 23, 2016, rejected the view voiced in certain US and Chinese media that Russia's position in its declaration with ASEAN is close to that of the US, thus adding pressure on China. The Global Times argued that the position laid out in the declaration is, in fact, identical to that consistently articulated by Chinese officials. It asserted that Russia would never take sides with the US against China and that Russia and China are full-fledged strategic partners that see eye-to-eye on broad strategic matters and the specifics of major international issues. It said they fully back each other despite Washington's efforts to pull China and Russia apart. It claimed that "many" (unnamed) nations back China's position.