China and Russia: The New Rapprochement

In recent years, the relationship between China and Russia has undergone a dramatic transformation. From a period of estrangement during the Cold War, the two countries have moved towards a closer partnership, characterized by growing economic ties, political alignment, and strategic cooperation. This new rapprochement has significant implications for the global balance of power and the future of international relations.

China and Russia: The New Rapprochement

by Alexander Lukin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	637 KB
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Historical Background

The roots of the current Sino-Russian relationship can be traced back to the 19th century, when Russia and China were both imperial powers with competing interests in Central Asia. In 1896, the two countries signed the Treaty of Livadia, which established a defensive alliance against other foreign powers. However, the alliance proved to be short-lived, and the two countries soon found themselves at odds over the issue of Manchuria.

After the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the new Soviet government renounced all imperialist treaties, including the Treaty of Livadia. This led to a period of tension between the two countries, which was exacerbated by the Soviet Union's support for the Chinese Communist Party during the Chinese Civil War.

Economic Cooperation

Despite their historical differences, China and Russia have forged a strong economic partnership in recent years. Bilateral trade has grown exponentially, from $10 billion in 2000 to over $100 billion in 2020. The two countries have also cooperated on major infrastructure projects, such as the Power of Siberia natural gas pipeline and the China-Russia High-Speed Railway.

Economic cooperation has been a major driver of the Sino-Russian rapprochement. China's growing economy has created a huge market for Russian energy and other commodities, while Russia's vast natural resources provide China with vital supplies of raw materials.

Political Alignment

In addition to their economic ties, China and Russia have also aligned their political interests in recent years. Both countries have been critical of the United States and its foreign policy, and they have both supported each other on issues such as the Syrian Civil War and the Ukrainian crisis.

The Sino-Russian political alignment is based on a shared desire to challenge the dominance of the United States in the global order. China and Russia see themselves as the leaders of a new "multipolar" world, in which power is more evenly distributed among different states.

Strategic Cooperation

The Sino-Russian rapprochement has also led to increased strategic cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, China and Russia have conducted joint military exercises and developed new weapons systems together. They have also coordinated their efforts to counter the United States in the Arctic and other regions.

The Sino-Russian strategic cooperation is a major concern for the United States and its allies. The two countries could potentially combine their resources to challenge the United States in the military, economic, and political realms.

Implications for the Global Balance of Power

The new Sino-Russian rapprochement has significant implications for the global balance of power. The two countries are now the world's largest and second-largest economies, respectively, and they have a combined population of over 1.4 billion people. Their growing partnership is creating a new power bloc that could challenge the dominance of the United States.

The United States has responded to the Sino-Russian rapprochement with a policy of "engagement" and "containment." The United States has sought to engage China and Russia diplomatically, while also containing their influence through military alliances and economic sanctions.

The Future of Sino-Russian Relations

The future of Sino-Russian relations is uncertain. The two countries have a long history of cooperation and conflict, and there are still significant challenges to their partnership. However, there is also a strong foundation for their relationship, based on shared economic interests and political goals.

The United States and its allies will continue to monitor the Sino-Russian relationship closely. The United States will likely continue to pursue a policy of "engagement" and "containment" with China and Russia, while also seeking to build stronger relationships with other countries in the region.

The new Sino-Russian rapprochement is a major development in international relations. It has the potential to reshape the global balance of power and the future of world order. The United States and its allies will need to carefully manage their relations with China and Russia in order to maintain stability and security in the years to come.

China and Russia: The New Rapprochement

by Alexander Lukin

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	637 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	211 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE