11. China and Russia: Gaming the West
- Author:
- Mathieu Duchâtel and François Godement
- Publication Date:
- 11-2016
- Content Type:
- Policy Brief
- Institution:
- European Council On Foreign Relations
- Abstract:
- In September 2016, Russia held joint naval manoeuvres in the South China Sea with China, bringing some of its best ships to the party. Two weeks later, China shied away from joining Russia in a veto of yet another Western resolution on Syria at the UN. The discrepancy sums up the extent and the limits of the strategic convergence between both countries. The “axis of convenience” between China and Russia has, without question, grown larger. And the positive dynamics pushing cooperation forward are largely economic. But there is also a negative dynamic, coming from the West. Both countries have a perception of regime insecurity that emerges from the international promotion of democracy, and the attractiveness of corruption-free and comparably safe Western societies for individuals, be they Chinese or Russian.
- Topic:
- International Political Economy and International Affairs
- Political Geography:
- Russia and China