As President Vladimir Putin visits China to strengthen the alliance against the West and celebrate China-Russia ties, the impact of this visit and the emerging anti-West coalition are worth examining. While the political rhetoric between China and Russia touts a strong partnership, the economic realities on the ground reveal that there is still a long way to go for China-Russia trade to match its trade with Western countries. Additionally, Putin’s war with Ukraine and its implications for NATO resources, the struggling Russian economy, and China’s geostrategic aims need to be carefully analyzed.
The visit highlights the continued efforts of Putin and Xi Jinping to solidify their countries’ partnership. This alliance serves as a means of reassurance when they face isolation on the world stage and gives the perception of strong friendship to their domestic populations. However, the economic activity in their border zones does not align with the political rhetoric. The newly-built bridge between China and Russia faces a lack of traffic, while shopping centers in the border city of Heihe struggle due to a lack of patrons. The negative effect of COVID-19, closed borders, and Russian poverty influence the flow of tourists and trade between the two countries, despite the optimistic outlook of some lorry drivers involved in transporting goods across the border.
The trade dynamics between China and Russia are further complicated by new Russian tariffs on certain Chinese goods, which dampen the trade atmosphere. On the other hand, China provides support to Russia by increasing the supply of Russian natural gas to its northeastern province of Heilongjiang. Moreover, China’s state-controlled media portrays Russia’s war with Ukraine as justified, aimed at countering NATO’s expansionary tendencies and perceived threats from the United States. This propaganda strategy, backed by positive sentiment from the Chinese population towards Putin, reflects China’s alignment with Russian geostrategic interests. However, the war also poses risks for China, as it could lead to an increase in NATO’s power and further strain the struggling Russian economy.
The implications of the China-Russia alliance and the Ukraine conflict extend beyond their bilateral relationship. The war with Ukraine consumes NATO resources, potentially weakening the alliance’s position, while also exposing China’s Communist Party to the personal misery and economic pain that may accompany its aspirations to forcefully take Taiwan. This offers valuable lessons for China in understanding the potential consequences of military aggression.
Officially, Putin’s visit to China aims to attend a forum reviewing Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global transport infrastructure program. However, the underlying goal of this visit is to strengthen the ties between China and Russia and foster a broader coalition against the West, alongside other like-minded governments. The benefits of this alliance are evident for China and Russia, but it remains crucial to monitor the long-term implications for global dynamics.
In conclusion, Putin’s visit to China and the strengthening of the anti-West coalition have multifaceted impacts. While the political symbolism of the China-Russia partnership is celebrated, the economic realities highlight the challenges of expanding trade between the two countries. The war with Ukraine raises questions about the consequences for NATO, the struggling Russian economy, and China’s own aspirations. As the leaders of China and Russia push for a broader coalition against the West, it is essential to consider the long-term ramifications of these alliances on global politics and alliances.
