Russian-Chinese Relations

Current Trends and Future Prospects

Author(s): Vladimir Portyakov
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 73
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute of History, University of Basel
Publication Year: 2010

The Russian-Chinese relationship has been strengthening since the signing of the Treaty of Goodneighborliness, Friendship and Co-operation in 2001. Against this background, 2008-2009 saw both progress and negative patterns in Russia-China relations. The main features of Russian-Chinese relations in 2008-2009 were associated with the presidential transition in Russia and the impact of the world economic crisis. Cooperation took on an increasingly intense dynamic and some significant agreements were reached, demonstrating that the relationship can survive leadership changes. However, the global economic crisis impacted on trade and also highlighted the growing imbalance between the two countries, with China's seemingly continual economic growth signaling a change in the power relationship between Moscow and Beijing.

Download:

English (PDF)