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Opinion | Russia-China bromance is going strong, but it’s far from perfect
- Official statements from both countries may place the bilateral relationship on a pedestal, beyond reproach. But China’s growing friendship with Ukraine and its footprint in the Middle East are just two potential areas of tension
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This month, Russia and China commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Treaty of Good Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation, a cornerstone document which Russian President Vladimir Putin calls a “fundamental international legal act” that has guided bilateral relations through the years to an “unprecedented height”.
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In the face of mounting pressure from the US-led democratic camp, both countries wish to exhibit their close-knit unity.
Putin stressed in his June video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping that the treaty contains such key agreements as mutual support in upholding state unity and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Xi pledged that bilateral cooperation will continue “no matter how many obstacles and hurdles must be overcome on the road ahead”.
Their eloquence is meant to signal that Moscow and Beijing are not insular on the global stage and rely on each other with regard to issues of key national interest.
After a period of oscillation and ambivalence, Moscow and Beijing have finally rebuffed any prospects of a military alliance to focus on building other forms of cooperation.
Xi called the Russia-China relationship a “model example of a new type of international relations”, while Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi described it as being better than an alliance. In general, Chinese officials refrain from any specific definition of the bilateral entente, to avoid adding further strain on their relations with a West already anxious about Moscow and Beijing forging a closer partnership.
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