Russia is being encouraged by China to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a valuable part of China's One Belt One Road initiative.
According to Li Xing, director of Eurasian Studies Center and a professor at the School of Government, Beijing Normal University, "Russia's participation in the C.P.E.C., including the use of the Gwadar Port, could give a boost to Sino-Russian cooperation and be a demonstration project of One Belt and One Road (O.B.O.R.) that will enhance future multinational cooperation."
Observers said that China wants Russia to join the C.P.E.C. to help in negotiations with India which controls a crucial part in the corridor. India refuses to take part of the initiative because of their long-standing tension with Pakistan.
Li stated: "Although the Russian embassy in Islamabad later denied the reports, concerns and speculations have been lingering among some observers. It isn't something terrible if Moscow joins the C.P.E.C. Instead, it will be an opportunity for China, Russia, and Pakistan to enhance cooperation."
The expert said that it will be beneficial to Russia to have a strong partnership with India and Pakistan because of the Sino-Russian "the Belt and the Union." The stakes of Russia's investments will require a larger Eurasian alliance.
"Russia's participation in the C.P.E.C., including the use of the Gwadar Port, could give a boost to Sino-Russian cooperation and be a demonstration project of O.B.O.R. that will enhance future multinational cooperation," he wrote in his article on the Global Times.
Li noted that the Russia's participation will not only help the initiative but be able to change people's negative perception of China "and remove the unnecessary worries over the so-called China threat."
He added, "The cooperation between BRICS countries like China, Russia and India is the key to the success of O.B.O.R. development."