China-Russia Relations: Contrasting Interests, Capabilities, and Actions

China-Russia Relations: Contrasting Interests, Capabilities, and Actions
By
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Midterm Essay
XX March 2023
China and Russia are two of the most powerful countries in the world, but their respective international political interests, capabilities, and actions differ greatly. Historically, Russia and China have been close allies. Still, their relationship has strained over the past decades due to their opposing views on various topics, such as the Syrian conflict, the North Korean nuclear crisis, and the Ukraine crisis. In 2000, the general question to describe the Russia-China relationship was "Rapprochement or Rivalry? "; scarcely changing to "Rivalry or Partnership? twelve years later." (Korolev, 2019, 761). China has sought to increase its influence in the global economy through its Belt and Road Initiative. In contrast, Russia has taken a more isolationist approach, relying on its natural resources to try and improve its economy. Despite a historic alliance, the two countries have divergent interests and perspectives on global affairs. As such, their relationship is unlikely to be as close as it once was over the next five to ten years.
Regarding international political interests, China and Russia have different goals and ambitions. China has used various strategies to gain political and economic leverage, including investing in infrastructure projects, forming strategic alliances, and providing foreign aid. It has also been active in international organizations, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to project its influence and increase its stature worldwide (https://doi.org/10.1057/s41311-020-00251-7, 2020). In contrast, Russia has focused on using military force and diplomatic pressure to protect its interests in the former Soviet states and to preserve its influence in the region. In addition, Russia has used economic sanctions to pressure other countries into complying with its demands. It has also used energy resources as a bargaining chip, leveraging its oil and gas supplies to strengthen its regional and global standing. This has culminated in one emphasis of Russia's Grand Plan being to create financial inflows to the state treasury by reaching export markets for weapons systems and oil and gas (Andy Akin, 2017, 1).
In terms of capabilities, China and Russia have different strengths and weaknesses. China has developed a formidable economic presence in the global economy by investing heavily in infrastructure, technology, and industry. China has already overcome any regional restrictions economically (Dobbins et al., 2017, 10). It has made important investments in countries worldwide, such as Africa, and has become an important trade partner to many countries. Additionally, China has used its economic power to form strong diplomatic ties with many countries and has gained significant influence in international organizations. Russia, meanwhile, has traditionally relied on its military capabilities to maintain its sphere of influence and protect its interests. It has a large, modern military and has been willing to use force or the threat of force to achieve its objectives (https://doi.org/...