China-Russia relations continue to blossom in 2012(2)

STRATEGIC COOPERATION

Behind the positive dynamics between China and Russia is the political will from both sides to enhance their relations.

On one hand, Chinese leaders have constantly pledged to make relations with Russia one of Beijing's priorities.

In a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Beijing in November, Hu said, "No matter how the international situation and domestic conditions of the two countries change, China will not alter its principles and guidelines on developing ties with Russia."

On the other hand, Putin called relations between China and Russia "an example of genuine good neighborhood and friendship." The Russian president emphasized the importance of diplomatic, economic and energy relations with China.

In Putin's eyes, a rising China is not a threat, but a challenge that carries huge potential for business cooperation. Russia needs to catch the Chinese wind in the sails of its own economy, according to a campaign article Putin published in February.

Russia and China deepened their relations in 2012, rendering the existing "territory of cooperation" more habitable, said Andrei Ostrovsky, deputy director of the Far East Institute.

Economic and trade relations between China and Russia have developed at a high rate against the backdrop of the global economic slump. The latest data shows that bilateral trade amounted to 73.6 billion U.S. dollars in the first 10 months of 2012, a 13.4 percent year-on-year rise.

On the military front, the two countries held a joint naval exercise and a joint anti-terror military drill within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

People-to-people and cultural exchanges also were active. The Tourism Year of Russia was a big success in China and the Tourism Year of China in Russia is in sight.

Educational and scientific research cooperation was also on the rise, boasting the start of direct university exchanges and joint educational programs in environmental science, energy and IT.

International cooperation between Russia and China also was much brighter in 2012, Ostrovsky said.

"The two countries have their common strategic interests in the U.N., Group of 20 (G-20), BRICS and in the Arab world," Ostrovsky said.

Berger noted that Russia and China act as a single voice in the global arena.

"This is especially visible in their common approach to the Middle East issues, on which both Moscow and Beijing perform as major peace keeping forces," Berger said, "They also work shoulder to shoulder in Central Asia, the SCO, G-20 and the U.N. Security Council."

China and Russia, permanent members of the Security Council, reaffirmed in a June joint statement their strong opposition to foreign military intervention and a forced regime change in Syria.

The two countries also came out in the statement against any use of military force or "unilateral sanctions" against Iran.