China and Russia: The new power couple?

Article by Ilayda Nijhar*

For over a decade there has been talk of a so called special ‘Russian-Chinese’ relationship developing between two powerful nations: Russia and China. A more familiar standpoint stems from the everlasting tensions between the US and Russia, especially over the Ukraine issue, allowing us to recall the unending tensions of a not so long ago Cold War. Such a relationship is based not solely on their shared economic policies but more through their mutual outlook on foreign affairs with a strong emphasis on state sovereignty and the recognition of their territory on the world scene. There is also a clear devotion on both sides to change the balance of international order and the status quo. Yet such an alliance between the two leading powers is linked principally by their charismatic presidents; Xi Jingling and Putin. The potent leaders share common ground on a number of issues, most significantly their desire to reclaim past glories. For some, such cooperation exists between the two countries as a way of providing a clear and effective opposition to, what they view as, an ever-lasting US supremacy across the globe. But is this really the basis of a partnership between two of the world’s biggest superpowers? With an ongoing insidious, and, often more than complex battle between the US and the Sino-Russo pact – what exactly does the future hold for the two distinct nations? The Russian-Chinese relationship is built mainly upon close economic relations with the shared aim of economic cooperation through promoting trade and boosting tourism. Both share economies which are predominantly controlled by state-run industries and businesses. Despite both nations boasting two different types of currencies – the Ruble and Yuan – effort has been made on both sides to create a ‘two currency’ program allowing further interchange to occur. Such a case can be witnessed in the Heilongjiang Province in Suifenhe City whereby the Ruble has replaced the US dollar as a currency of choice thus promoting inter mutual exchanges. Yet despite the efforts made to strengthen economic ties, both nations still feel the need to have a more secure place in the international market. Only recently was there a request issued from Russia and China to be represented in numerous world intuitions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – something both view as essential for the development of their economies. Perhaps this aspiration stems from their open and transparent policy agenda of limiting American influence and power to a certain extent. Their shared economic commitment can also be seen through their joint partnership in the newly created ‘Russia Eurasian Economic Union’ and the ‘China New Silk Road Economic Belt’. Although economically both nations seem devoted to aiding one another, to ensure stability domestically, forgoing trade with others would be a fallacy without which they both understand their economic future would not be guaranteed.
The ever-growing alliance between the two states can even be seen through their latest agreement to hold joint military and naval drills. Their shared training shows that both sides are willing to build a true partnership beyond the traditional economic and cultural ties.

We can therefore see that these two superstates have already begun through their joint actions to pursue their ambition of changing the current power balance in the world without having the need to be discrete or to mask their true intentions. But does this really make a significant difference for the rest of the world? Although efforts are made on both sides to reduce reliance on the US and other Western powers, it would be incorrect to say that they would be at complete ease without their continued ability to trade. Despite the latest trade arrangements made between the two countries, China cannot cater for most of Russia’s vast needs thus proving that Russia must continue to trade with Europe even if it isn’t her ideal choice. Likewise the same applies to China, it can not substitute all its trading partners for Russia and since China still remains as the biggest world manufacturer and trader, it must continue to trade with the US, its biggest market for its consumer goods.

China and Russia’s mutual disdain for the West, at times, must be put aside to allow their own nations development to continue and allow them to gain more authority and influence on the world stage. For the time being it seems as though both countries are taking a more placid approach to world events, perhaps allowing other nations to realise what is on the horizon. They both appear to be silently and judiciously building their influence across the five continents. Whether this is through international agreements with countries across Africa, Asia, Europe or the Americas, in return for their raw materials and minerals, infrastructure is being provided through Chinese run and controlled companies. This strategy of helping nations impoverished by poverty is not merely to trade but to provide new schools, roads and highways, new housing and market for its consumer goods. This strategy extends also for China to secure its own territory around the disputed China Sea and further afield.

Is this the calm before the storm or has the storm begun without us even noticing that the world is sleepwalking into one of the greatest shifts of power from the West to the East in the last 400 years?

*Ilayda Nijhar is a Russian and Politics student studying at Queen Mary, University of London. She is currently in St.Petersburg advancing her language and gaining first-hand experience of Russian culture and life-style.