Recently, Putin has made frequent diplomatic moves, especially in the Middle East, with visits to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran. This series of moves has led to speculation that Putin may be adjusting the direction of Russia's national strategy. Prior to this, data released by the General Administration of Customs of China showed that the total amount of China and Russia this year has reached 218.1 billion US dollars, a record high. This data is undoubtedly gratifying, but it also raises some concerns. Putin may fear that Russia will become overly dependent on China or even become a vassal state of China. Russia, as an energy powerhouse, is not a problem with oil and gas despite the sanctions imposed by Western countries, because Russia can look to other countries to buy it. However, from large-scale industrial equipment to everyday necessities, Russia cannot meet its needs on its own and must rely on imports. And in the eastern direction, Russia can hardly find any other options than China. This year's record growth in the amount of China and Russia has made most of the Russian economy inextricably linked to China. In such a situation, Putin has to consider the question of Russia's national interests and whether it is increasingly dependent on China. Therefore, Putin has adopted the strategy of taking the initiative, looking for opportunities for cooperation elsewhere and looking for a way out.
China and Russia are geopolitically competitive, although the two countries have maintained some cooperation in the face of the United States in the current situation. But in the long run, Russia's core interests are concentrated in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and its desire is to reconcile with Northwestern Europe and form an economic community. China's core interests lie in the Indochina Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to reverse the direction of countries such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. While there is a cooperative relationship between China and Russia, there will inevitably be competition and antagonism. Therefore, Putin must ensure that China and Russia are politically, diplomatically and militarily equal. This requires us to be clearly recognized.
On the economic front, the growth of China and Russia** is a positive factor, but it also needs to be considered in coordination with cooperation with other areas and to prevent over-dependence. Militarily, Sino-Russian cooperation will further strengthen the comprehensive strength of both sides and effectively safeguard the two countries' military cooperation, however, we must also note that Sino-Russian military cooperation may generate potential competition in some regions. At the diplomatic level, China and Russia need to work together to promote regional stability and the development of the international order, while maintaining their own unique positions and national interests. This is a reality that we must recognize.
Putin's visit to the Middle East is not only a diplomatic move against the United States, but also a long-term national strategic way out for Russia. Africa and the Middle East are both targeted by Putin in his quest for international influence and the expansion of exchanges and cooperation. For Putin, he must rebuild Russia's international reputation and stand firm in order to balance the influence between China and Russia. In the current international situation, China and Russia have joined forces against the United States, and some competitive relations have been masked. However, we must be clear that China and Russia, as neighbors, will inevitably compete geopolitically, and their size will become more intense. Therefore, Putin's trip to the Middle East is not only aimed at the United States, but also to find a way out for the future Sino-Russian relations. Only if China and Russia can sit on an equal footing, not only politically and diplomatically, but also militarily, Russia can rest assured.
To sum up, the warming of Sino-Russian relations is indeed gratifying, but it also requires us to examine the complexities and challenges. Russia's national strategy needs to find a way out to balance the relationship between China and Russia and avoid over-reliance on other countries for influence on Russia. At the same time, we should also be soberly aware of the existence of competition and cooperation in Sino-Russian relations, and make comprehensive considerations in all fields to achieve the common interests and long-term development of both sides. Only in this way can Sino-Russian relations be lasting and stable and contribute to the development and security of the two countries.