Alexander Gabuev
European Council On Foreign Relations, London 2015. pp. 11
This brief examines the dynamics of the Russia- China relationship and explores possible implications for the E. Based on interviews in China and Russia, it explores how officials, oligarchs, managers of state- owned companies, and experts from both sides see the relationship. It argues that the relationship between China and Russia is likely to become stronger and Moscow’s dependency on Beijing, will grow. For Russia, China will not replace Europe, but could provide a lifeline that keep Putin’s system going. The Kremlin’s logic is concentrated on regime survival rather than long-term national interests, which makes it easier to submit to Chinese pressure. China is also interested in keeping Putine’s regime in place in order to provide cover for grooving confrontation with the US and its allies. If this trend is sustainable, Russia will turn into China’s junior partner.
