In an interview with a pro-Russian journalist in the United States, Putin made an impressive point: The West is more afraid of a powerful China than a strong Russia. He emphasized that China has a large population base and a fast-growing economy with an annual growth rate of more than 5%, showing great potential. The remarks sparked a global sensation and reflected Putin's warning about China's rise. Russia and China have cooperated in the past, but does Putin's mention of China's strength mean that Russia has the upper hand in his eyes? Perhaps in a world of great power wrestling, Putin has his own unique strategic thinking.
Putin's words provoked reflections on the strength of China and Russia. China has long defined itself as the third most powerful country in the world, and Russia is in second place. But as time goes on, Russia's decline in some key technology areas has gradually been exposed, and people have begun to re-examine the balance of power between China and Russia. China is far ahead of Russia in some technological fields, and there is a general consensus that China is gradually surpassing Russia. While China prefers to remain third in the official rankings, this does not mean that it lacks ambition, but rather that it is more likely to be motivated by lessons from history and cautious considerations. In Putin's view, perhaps swapping roles between China and Russia is also a strategic choice, making Russia more suitable to take the risk of being the second oldest.
Over the past few decades, the U.S.-China relationship and the U.S.-Russia relationship have shown different trends. Under the guidance of the United States, China has gradually joined the global wave of informatization, cultivated a large number of Internet companies, and at the same time worked closely with the United States economically. In contrast, the confrontation between the United States and Russia is more intense, stemming from the fact that Russia has inherited the strong legacy of the Soviet Union and has become the main adversary of the United States. The two sides have fought openly and covertly in many military conflicts, and the United States has always regarded Russia as the primary threat. Under these circumstances, China and Russia have maintained a relationship of political heat and economic coldness, while China and the United States have maintained a politically cold and economic relationship.
With the coming to power of Trump, the attitude of the United States towards China and Russia has changed to a certain extent. Trump has put economic power in a key position, believing that Russia is economically disadvantaged. Russia's GDP lags far behind that of the United States, and many areas of industry cannot be compared with the United States. At the same time, Russia's lack of competitiveness in the international arena makes it difficult for Trump to make a breakthrough in the war against it. In contrast, there is a certain balance between China and the United States, and each has its own advantages in the economic field, and can exercise mutual constraints. Trump's return to power could bring pressure on China and change the balance of relations between China, the United States and Russia.
With the changes in the global pattern, the relations between China, the United States and Russia have also shown a new trend. China's economic rise is seen as peaceful, while Russia has opted for an expansionist armed rise. Russia's interest in Ukraine stems from many sources, among which Ukraine's abundant resources are an important reason. However, Russia's industrial and economic deficiencies make it difficult to regain its former imperial glory and its overdependence on agriculture and energy. Changes in the pattern of Sino-Russian relations will not only have an impact on the development of the two countries themselves, but will also have a certain impact on the global economic and political landscape.
Under the current international situation, whether China can skillfully deal with the relations between China, the United States, and Russia will become an important challenge for China's development. Trump's return to power could have a major impact on China's economy, and Russia will put some pressure on China before it comes to a second. Therefore, China needs to maintain strategic focus in the face of external challenges and find a suitable development path. China and Russia may be able to play a more active role in the new international pattern, maintain good relations, and make more contributions to regional and world peace and stability.