Russia’s Strategic Ambitions and Its Uneasy Partnership with China

A couple of years ago, Russia tried to persuade China to help develop the Russian Far East. China responded enthusiastically and even sold Russia rare-earth processing equipment, but nothing further came of it. A few days ago, Putin visited the Far East and tried the same trick again, but this time China remained completely silent. Russia and India are advancing the International North–South Transport Corridor and the “Act East” initiative. The latter, in particular, seeks to extend their influence into Southeast Asia and compete with China for strategic interests. They also intend to establish missile defense systems in Southeast Asia—especially in the Philippines—and compete with China over ports, rare-earth resources, and other assets in Myanmar. It could be said that Russia’s attention is no longer entirely focused on its war with Ukraine; it also harbors considerable jealousy toward China. It is foreseeable that, given the enormous differences between the two sides, the China–Russia oil and gas pipeline agreement will also be difficult to finalize at the Eastern Economic Forum in September. Despite all of this, Russia remains our strategic partner. For now, we can only leave them on the sidelines.