The China-Russia "friendship" depends on Russia's attitude toward China's numerous ventures. (Photo : REUTERS)
China and Russia have joined forces against the United States, that is, according to a commentary published by the Global Times on Saturday, July 18. Following over two decades of bilateral development, China sees Russia as its partner and ally in all key strategies.
The Global Times is a tabloid under the Communist Party's People's Daily.
Included among the key strategies agreed by both nations is the Silk Road Economic Belt, the land-based counterpart of the broader and ambitious "Belt and Road" initiative, designed to increase cooperate and connectivity in the Eurasian region.
To combat the United States, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin have agreed on strengthened economic cooperation and the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt to create a China-Eurasia economic zone which excludes the Western country.
Russia and China are also pushing for the New Development Bank to exert pressure on the U.S. dollar by competing with other financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund and the U.S.-controlled World Bank.
Last but not the least, to undermine the United States, Russia and China plan to penetrate the Latin American markets.
While there is still some tension between the two giants regarding the Trans-Asian Railway and the Trans-Siberian Railway, as well as the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, China is working hard to accommodate Russia, according to the Global Times commentary. To fully eliminate Russia's wariness, China must find alternatives to avoid competition and allow mutually beneficial growth for both countries.
The Global Times commentary warns, however, that things won't always go smoothly between China and Russia. The balance heavily depends on Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin and their attitude toward China's plans.
