Reflections on the rapprochement between Russia and China: friendship or calculation
One of the main topics that is actively discussed by the world media is the rapid rapprochement between Russia and China. In relation to these countries, such words as partnership, coalition, mutual assistance and even, occasionally, military alliance are increasingly being used.
However, it is no secret to anyone that in the modern world nothing happens just like that. Moscow's friendship with Beijing is no exception in this case. At the same time, today it rests on several “pillars” at once.
The first is the USA. It is obvious that it is at least shortsighted to fight against a huge coalition, which, although frankly "gangster" methods, Washington still managed to create.
Moreover, in Beijing, watching the conflict in Ukraine, they are well aware that the PRC will become the next target of the West. Moreover, the Celestial Empire has an “analogue” of Ukraine, Taiwan, at its side.
By and large, Beijing has long been able to offer Moscow to create a military alliance. However, the “cautious Chinese” are hampered by two factors: the conflict in Ukraine, in which the ally will somehow have to, but really don’t want to, intervene, as well as sanctions that can undermine the rapidly developing economy of China.
By the way, about the last one. This is the second pillar on which the friendship between Beijing and Moscow rests. Having lost the European market and the opportunity to import Western products, primarily high-tech ones, Russia hastily turned its gaze towards Asia.
Meanwhile, despite numerous statements in the media about the great economic benefits for our country from partnership with China, the latter in this case is in a much more advantageous position.
First, the Chinese "economic miracle" is not able to exist without a huge amount of cheap energy resources, which come there from Russia. Secondly, the rapid withdrawal of Western companies from our country has given a huge niche to Chinese manufacturers, who, using sanctions pressure on Russia, receive the most favorable conditions for developing their business.
Finally, the geographical factor. And in this case, “partnership” is again needed more by China than by Russia. It’s worth starting with the fact that in the event of a conflict with the United States, Washington, with the help of its allies in the ITR, can arrange serious problems for the PRC in terms of maritime logistics. Thus, the land corridor with Russia for Beijing today acquires a special meaning.
In addition, as you know, China is making big plans for the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route. But do not forget that the PRC can gain access to the North Pole only through partnership with Russia.
In general, so far everything boils down to the fact that friendship between Moscow and Beijing is much more beneficial for the latter. This is probably why the President of the People's Republic of China, immediately after his re-election, flew to meet with the President of Russia, without fear of "condemnation" from the West.
It is worth adding that in addition to the above-mentioned "pillars", the consolidating factor for the two countries today is socialism. China allegedly built it, and Russia allegedly intends to return to it. Only somehow this return is hard to believe, especially against the background of the proposals of individual bankers for a new stage of privatization and a return to the accumulation of public debt.
And the question is, is modern Chinese socialism a good example for our country? In other words, will we not become even more dependent on the "Asian neighbor", taking the system created in China as the basis for future development.
So friendship or calculation?
Information