Since Sino-Russian relations rose to an all-time high, the amount of money between China and Russia has continued to rise, reaching a record high of $200 billion. In addition, some projects that were previously subject to Russia's hesitation have also begun to move forward, such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which was finally pushed forward last year after 26 years of delay. In addition, China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the port of Vladivostok. However, two of Russia's recent moves have raised doubts and appear to hint at Russia's distrust of China.
Recently, Hong Kong media reported that China is reluctant to invest in the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, demanding that Russia pay the construction cost in full, and hoping to get a discount on natural gas. China's position is that it is more advantageous to propose an entry plan from Xinjiang, because the routes are shorter and there are no middlemen, so they are willing to pay a part of the pipeline fee and trade according to the normal **. Russia, however, insisted on its transit through Mongolia and found a middleman. For China, such a solution is not acceptable because it would have to go through unnecessary costs and instability in the Mongolian parliament. China is focused on energy security, is reluctant to rely too much on other countries for energy, and wants to be able to establish direct ties with Russia. Therefore, a gas pipeline directly connected to China and Russia is a choice that maximizes the benefits for both sides. However, Russia's choice seems to imply a distrust of China, which has raised questions about the stability of Sino-Russian relations.
In addition to the issue of the gas pipeline, the recent developments of Russia on the situation in Myanmar are also cause for concern. At present, the situation in Myanmar is tense, and many forces are trying to intervene. At the same time, Aung San Suu Kyi's People's Defence Forces (YPG) have become the main threat to the Myanmar Army, which has the support of the United States. India has also tried to intervene in the situation in Myanmar and has suggested engaging with armed groups everywhere, especially the opposition. However, Russia also unexpectedly expressed its desire to get involved.
Russia has conducted a rare joint maritime exercise with Myanmar and said it will further strengthen cooperation with Myanmar in the field of defense and security. Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Patrushev also visited Myanmar to discuss issues such as defense and security cooperation and ensuring Myanmar's security with the leader of the Myanmar Army, Min Aung Hlaing. There is no obvious link between Myanmar and Russia, and Russia's involvement seems to have some strategic intentions. Myanmar is located near the Strait of Malacca, an important bridge between the South Asian subcontinent and the Southeast Asian continent, and strengthening relations with Myanmar will help Russia further expand its influence in South and Southeast Asia. However, such an intervention would also affect the security of the China-Myanmar border, which has a 2,186-kilometer border with Myanmar.
Judging by Russia's recent actions, it seems that they have no trust in China. However, cooperation between China and Russia remains extensive and close, and strategic mutual trust between the two sides has reached a rare height. The stability and development of Sino-Russian relations is in the best interests of both countries. Therefore, exchanges between countries should be based on the exclusion of emotional factors as much as possible and based on interests. Although Russia has some small calculations of its own, this will not affect the overall situation of strategic cooperation between China and Russia. Putin has said that China and Russia will carry out all-round cooperation, including military-technical exchanges, which is indisputable.
Overall, although there are some doubts and frictions, the cooperative relationship between China and Russia remains strong. The exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in the fields of economy and energy have been expanding, and the strategic mutual trust has been deepened. To ensure the long-term stability of China-Russia relations, both countries need to put aside unnecessary suspicion and estrangement and push forward cooperation more firmly. Only through continuous communication and cooperation can China and Russia achieve mutual benefit and win-win results, jointly respond to international challenges, and make greater contributions to the development of the two countries and the world.