Strategic Interaction between Russia and China: A Basis for Development of Bilateral Cooperation

Abstract

On 25 April 1996 the Joint Russian-Chinese Declaration signed in Beijing set forth the idea of a possible Russia-China strategic interaction in the twentyfirst century. Initially, the idea had been formulated to sustain and develop the 'long-term and stable relations of good neighbourliness, friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation' between the two states that would 'correspond to the vital interests of the two nations and facilitate preservation and consolidation of peace, stability and development in Asia and in the world at large'.' The Joint Russian-Chinese Communique of 26 June 1997 went further to address the active and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various spheres, in conformity with the principles as fixed in the two Russian-Chinese Declarations. In 1996 the two parties, while assessing the prospects of RF-PRC relations, applied the new formula: 'to develop relations of equalright confidential partnership, aimed at strategic interaction in the twenty-first century '.3

The Rise of Sino-Russian Order? Mapping China's and Russia's Geo-Economic Capabilities

“…In the relations between both countries, there are still possibilities of cooperation. Cooperation between Russia and China has become one of the central aspects of the study of geopolitics (Myasnikov 2002;Lo 2004). However, the potential for conflict between them is still quite high.…”