the treaty describes actions that should be taken by the two countries to establish for peaceful relations and economic cooperation, as well as diplomatic and political reliance. article 9 of the treaty has started controversy because it may be viewed as a defense pact, meaning if one of the two countries becomes involved in a war, the other country must help them. additionally, articles a7 and a16 point at increasing military cooperation, including the sharing of "military know-how" (a16), namely, chinese access to russian military technology.