In a recent TV interview, Putin admitted that in the early days of his tenure, he had "naïve" expectations for the West, believing that the contradictions between Russia and the West could be resolved through dialogue and cooperation. However, he soon found out.
The West does not treat Russia sincerely, but is always looking for opportunities to weaken and suppress Russia's national interests and sovereignty. Putin's remarks have aroused widespread concern and discussion in the international community. What enlightenment and warning does Putin's mental journey have for China?
Putin was first elected to Russia in 2000, when Russia was in a state of economic distress and political turmoil, and Putin's priority was to restore Russia's national stability and international standing. In order to achieve this goal, Putin has tried to establish good relations with the West, hoping that the West will respect Russia's interests and choices and no longer interfere in Russia's internal and foreign affairs.
Putin even believes that there is no longer an ideological conflict between Russia and the West, but only differences on some specific issues, which can be resolved through consultation and compromise. However, this idea of Putin was quickly shattered by the actual actions of the West. The West has not abandoned its hostility and containment of Russia, but has put pressure and sanctions on Russia in various areas.
For example, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the ABM Treaty in 2002, upsetting the strategic balance and threatening Russia's security. NATO brought the three Baltic states, Albania, and Croatia into its military alliance in 2004 and 2009, respectively, in a broken promise not to expand eastward, and to draw closer to Russia's borders.
The West is trying to strip Ukraine from Russian influence and even bring it into NATO. In addition, the West is also interfering in and undermining Russia's allies and interests in the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia and other regions, and even provides funds and support to Russia's own forces and terrorist forces.
In the face of all kinds of provocations and hostility from the West, Putin gradually realized that the West's purpose is to weaken Russia's strength, prevent Russia's rejuvenation, and maintain the West's hegemonic status. Putin's "naivety" was completely shattered, and he began to pursue a tougher and autonomous foreign policy in order to defend Russia's national interests and sovereignty.
Both China and Russia are socialist countries, both have a long history and culture, both have vast territories and abundant resources, both have strong national defense and scientific and technological capabilities, both have firm diplomatic principles of independence and self-determination, and both share common strategic interests and security challenges.
China and Russia have always maintained close communication and coordination in international affairs, and have jointly safeguarded world peace and stability. However, China cannot ignore the West's hostility and containment of China, and cannot compromise and make concessions on issues of core interests and principles.
The strategic purpose of the West is to prevent China's development and rise, maintain the hegemonic status of the West, and undermine China's national unity and territorial integrity. The West has made unreasonable accusations and interfered in China, and even made military threats and provocations against China on issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.
The West has also exerted various pressures and sanctions on China in the fields of science and technology, human rights, and the epidemic in an attempt to hit China's economic and social development. In the face of various challenges and difficulties from the West, China should stick to its own path, adhere to the people-centered approach, adhere to reform and innovation as the driving force, and adhere to the concept of peaceful development to promote China's development and progress.
Putin's hard-line and independent foreign policy has enabled Russia to re-establish its self-confidence and prestige in the international arena, and it has also caused Russia's relations with the West to fall into the shadow of the Cold War, and even some crises and conflicts have emerged. Putin's foreign policy has also promoted cooperation and exchanges between Russia and other countries and regions.
In particular, China's comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination has reached an unprecedented height. Putin's foreign policy has also promoted the development of multilateralism and multipolarization, and provided strong support for upholding international law and international order and opposing unilateralism and hegemonism. Putin's foreign policy has also demonstrated Russia's flexibility and creativity, and has provided useful experience and reference for coping with the complex and ever-changing international environment.
Putin's foreign policy is formulated and adjusted on the basis of Russia's national interests and changes in the international situation. Putin's foreign policy reflects Russia's historical traditions and cultural characteristics, as well as Russia's practical needs and strategic vision.
We should objectively recognize and understand Putin's foreign policy, draw useful enlightenment and lessons from it, and make positive contributions to promoting the in-depth development of Sino-Russian relations and realizing world peace and prosperity.