The growing Sino-Russian proximity is quite skeptic
The proximity between Russia and China has been increasing for over the last decade. In spite of skepticism by the western media, they are proved to be veritable partners by striking the landmark energy deal. Moreover, the recent veto by the Russians and the Chinese for Syria not only vividly talks about their interest in this very nation but also raises the concern about growing closeness among them. Their veto aborted the international support for pro-democratic movement going on in Syria and gave ample space to the brutal leaders of Syria to continue their business. Today Russia has no ally except Syria, in the middle-east. The double veto by Russia and China is nothing new. They together have also vetoed Zimbabwe sanctions in 2008 and a resolution that would have forced Myanmar to release all political prisoners in 2007.
The association seems to reach its zenith soon with frequent high level official visits and greater emphasis on bilateral ties. They recently signed deals to mark the celebrations of 10th anniversary of ‘Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation’. The recent visit by Hu Jintao to Moscow echoes a clear shift of Russian focus from the US and Europe towards China. Russia and China are the founding members of BRIC that also include other emerging economies like India and Brazil; and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a newly formed military group involving the two countries apart from some Central Asian former Soviet countries. The SCO is touted to counterbalance NATO.
One aft er another military adventures of the US and its allies – first, against Bosnian Serb in 1995, then against Serbia in 1999 and, of course, Afghanistan and Iraq misadventures following it along with expansion of NATO and to top it all, air strikes in Libya – have made the Sino-Russian as a perceived power that can stand against American might. This Russia-China front is described by Xinhua editorial as a “eulogy that will serve the interest of the world and promulgate their own interest, but not targeted against anybody”. However, the China Russia closeness is not just about energy and other economic deals, it’s more about military tie ups too. It’s a great synergy of the two emerging powers which will only enhance their international positions. In this given contest both support each other in national security and territorial integrity, even if it is controversial. For instance, Russia is by China’s side with regards to Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and stringently against any foreign intervention targeted against Chinese containment. As we all know, both these nations are members of BRIC – the four countries that constitute it – comprises 26 per cent of world’s landmass and 42 per cent of population. These countries amidst global meltdown are experiencing an unprecedented 50 per cent of the world’s economic growth.
Their collective growing influence and political weight is set to redefine global power equation – a sweeping shift from the US and western Europe’s economic dominance to China-Russia’s supremacy. However, if they wield their political and economic power to reinstate their own interest again, it can be a very dangerous proposition that this world might face. On the hindsight, a new world order is emerging but under the surface this emerging alliance may crush several democratic and social movements for short term power grabbing exercise.
The proximity between Russia and China has been increasing for over the last decade. In spite of skepticism by the western media, they are proved to be veritable partners by striking the landmark energy deal. Moreover, the recent veto by the Russians and the Chinese for Syria not only vividly talks about their interest in this very nation but also raises the concern about growing closeness among them. Their veto aborted the international support for pro-democratic movement going on in Syria and gave ample space to the brutal leaders of Syria to continue their business. Today Russia has no ally except Syria, in the middle-east. The double veto by Russia and China is nothing new. They together have also vetoed Zimbabwe sanctions in 2008 and a resolution that would have forced Myanmar to release all political prisoners in 2007.
The association seems to reach its zenith soon with frequent high level official visits and greater emphasis on bilateral ties. They recently signed deals to mark the celebrations of 10th anniversary of ‘Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation’. The recent visit by Hu Jintao to Moscow echoes a clear shift of Russian focus from the US and Europe towards China. Russia and China are the founding members of BRIC that also include other emerging economies like India and Brazil; and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a newly formed military group involving the two countries apart from some Central Asian former Soviet countries. The SCO is touted to counterbalance NATO.
One aft er another military adventures of the US and its allies – first, against Bosnian Serb in 1995, then against Serbia in 1999 and, of course, Afghanistan and Iraq misadventures following it along with expansion of NATO and to top it all, air strikes in Libya – have made the Sino-Russian as a perceived power that can stand against American might. This Russia-China front is described by Xinhua editorial as a “eulogy that will serve the interest of the world and promulgate their own interest, but not targeted against anybody”. However, the China Russia closeness is not just about energy and other economic deals, it’s more about military tie ups too. It’s a great synergy of the two emerging powers which will only enhance their international positions. In this given contest both support each other in national security and territorial integrity, even if it is controversial. For instance, Russia is by China’s side with regards to Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and stringently against any foreign intervention targeted against Chinese containment. As we all know, both these nations are members of BRIC – the four countries that constitute it – comprises 26 per cent of world’s landmass and 42 per cent of population. These countries amidst global meltdown are experiencing an unprecedented 50 per cent of the world’s economic growth.
Their collective growing influence and political weight is set to redefine global power equation – a sweeping shift from the US and western Europe’s economic dominance to China-Russia’s supremacy. However, if they wield their political and economic power to reinstate their own interest again, it can be a very dangerous proposition that this world might face. On the hindsight, a new world order is emerging but under the surface this emerging alliance may crush several democratic and social movements for short term power grabbing exercise.
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