As China continues on its inevitable rise, the
East Asian giant is on the lookout for a sidekick. Fortunately, its
powerful neighbor to the north appears ready to seize what may be a
pivotal moment in the history of international relations.
Ties between China and Russia are arguably at
their best in history. But unlike the honeymoon period following
the establishment of diplomatic relations more than six decades
ago, their relationship today is based on joint efforts to address
each other's practical needs and concerns rather than shared
ideological principles. As they boost cooperation across the board
under the new paradigm, the two countries appear poised to help
make the world fairer and more prosperous.
For China and Russia, 2012 has been a crucial
year, during which both countries underwent political power
transitions. Against this backdrop, exchanges at the top leadership
level have been frequent. Following Russian President Vladimir
Putin's visit to China in June and Chinese President Hu Jintao's
trip to Russia for the annual APEC leaders' meeting three months
later, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Russia in December.
During the latest visit, the two neighbors entered into new
agreements to meet their demands for further collaboration.
With bilateral trade hitting $73.6 billion
from January to October and on track to exceed a total of $90
billion for the year, the goals set by the two countries to raise
their trade volume to $100 billion by 2015 and $200 billion by 2020
now seem to be within reach. Moreover, the Year of Russian Tourism
in China this year and the Year of Chinese Tourism to be held in
Russia next year are designed to bolster mutual understanding
between average Chinese and Russians and solicit their support for
official ties.
The relationship between the two leading
emerging economies is bound to transcend bilateral dimensions.
China and Russia, both firm believers in multi-polarity and
advocates of justice in global affairs, have worked and will
continue to work in concert in multilateral forums such as the UN,
the Group of 20, the BRICS group of emerging economies and the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization in a bid to shape a more
equitable international order.
The Sino-Russian partnership, however, has yet
to reach its full potential. While Russia needs China's investment
in the construction of infrastructure such as roads and bridges,
China hopes Russia continues to assist the Chinese in pursuing
cutting-edge technology. Moreover, China's involvement in Russia's
plan to develop its vast Far East is likely to give impetus to
Northeast Asian economic integration.
In contrast to their partnership initially
formed decades ago, the new Sino-Russian relationship is open,
inclusive and aimed at promoting regional and global peace and
development. This new model will allow them to forge ahead in spite
of seismic changes within the two countries and in the
international arena.
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