The long border line was once filled with vigilant eyes and cold military installations. Both sides carried a bit of caution, speculating on each other's next move. Nowadays, this picture is quietly changing. The Ukraine-Russia conflict is like a mirror, allowing Russians to see their own situation and prompting them to reconsider their relationship with us.

The over 4,300-kilometer-long border between the two countries should no longer be a cold "defensive line," but can instead become a "bond" for cooperation.

I. From Suspicion to Handshake: The Historical Ups and Downs of Sino-Russian Relations

Looking back, when New China was founded in 1949, we and the Soviet Union were close allies, sharing consistent ideologies and both wanting to secure a good position in the Cold War chessboard. Back then, the Soviet big brother helped us a lot, from industrial foundations to technical assistance. Unfortunately, this good situation didn't last long. By the 1960s, Sino-Soviet relations turned sour, historically known as the "Sino-Soviet Split."

The most tense period was during the Zhenbao Island conflict in 1969. This border clash nearly pushed the two countries into a full-scale war. Beneath the ice of the Heilongjiang River lay deep suspicions between the two nations. On the Soviet side, they feared our large population and economic potential, worrying about our ambitions towards the Far East territories; on our side, we also worried about the Soviet military pressure. During those days, troop movements along the border created an atmosphere of high tension.

However, there are always turning points in everything. In the later stages of the Cold War, especially after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited the "legacy" of the Soviet Union and began to adjust its foreign policies. In the early 1990s, the leaders of the two countries sat down to negotiate, gradually resolving border disputes. In 2004, China and Russia signed the Supplementary Agreement on the Eastern Section of the China-Russia Border, finally putting an end to territorial controversies. Since then, our relationship with Russia has entered a normal track, establishing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and jointly promoting regional cooperation. The atmosphere along the border has also eased significantly.

The historical shadow doesn't dissipate easily. On the Russian side, there remains a certain level of unease regarding our economic rise and population advantage. Meanwhile, we must remain cautious too, as trust between great powers takes time to build.

II. The Ukraine War: Russia's Isolation and Turn Eastward

In 2014, the Ukraine crisis erupted, and by 2022, the conflict escalated fully. The war not only changed the landscape of Europe but also brought a major shift in Russia's circumstances. At the beginning of the war, Western countries imposed severe sanctions on Russia, including economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and energy blockades. Russia's lifeline was squeezed tightly, with the ruble plummeting and exports obstructed, making life difficult.

At this point, Russia realized that while the door to the West was closed, the window to the East remained open. Our country became their most reliable partner. To put it bluntly, Russia's energy and resources are needed by us, and our manufacturing and market are indispensable to them. After 2022, trade between China and Russia surged, breaking through $240 billion in 2023, setting a new record. The Power of Siberia pipeline continuously delivers Russian natural gas to our northeastern region, becoming a symbol of bilateral cooperation.

Besides economics, political ties have grown closer as well. While the West tried to cripple Russia with sanctions, we maintained neutrality and stood with Russia multiple times at the United Nations, opposing unilateral hegemony. The war pushed them into a corner, forcing them to strategically "turn eastward," focusing more on us.

The Ukraine war also exposed Russia's vulnerabilities. Militarily, it incurred huge costs, and economically, it faced isolation, with international discourse weakened.

III. The Transformation of the Border from "Defensive Line" to "Bond"

Talking about the China-Russia border, it used to be a sensitive area. The over 4,300-kilometer-long boundary stretches from Heilongjiang to Xinjiang, crossing forests, grasslands, and deserts. Previously, both sides deployed heavy troops; Russia stationed many forces in the Far East, and we had to keep an eye on things. However, the significance of this border is changing now.

After the Ukraine war, military cooperation between China and Russia reached new heights. Starting in 2018, the two countries conducted several joint military exercises, such as the "Eastern" series drills, with each exercise larger than the last. In 2022, Russia even invited our troops to participate in exercises within their Far East Military District.

Economically, the border is also bustling. After the bridge connecting Heihe and Blagoveshchensk opened in 2022, trucks come and go frequently, tightening trade ties between the two regions. Far Eastern timber and minerals are transported to us, while our goods and investments flow there. Formerly quiet border towns have now become logistics hubs. It's said that merchants in Heihe are even learning Russian, doing business very successfully.

More importantly, Russia's mindset has changed. Previously, they always felt the need to guard the Far East against us, fearing population movement and economic infiltration. However, the Ukraine war made them realize that the real pressure wasn't coming from the East but from the West. We have no territorial ambitions toward Russia and are actually their most needed partners. In 2021, the two countries renewed the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between China and Russia, clearly stating that they will not engage in confrontation or target third parties.

With the northern frontier stable, we can focus on the Belt and Road Initiative and develop connections with Central Asia and Europe.

New Patterns in Sino-Russian Friendship

The Ukraine war was like a big test, making Russians realize many things. They found that guarding against us is not only unnecessary but also isolates themselves further. The over 4,300-kilometer-long border, once a symbol of suspicion, is now becoming a bridge for cooperation.

The northern frontier is no longer a hazard but has become a new window for our country to face the world. In the future, how far the Sino-Russian relationship can go depends on how the two sides work together to turn this trust into reality. One thing is certain: this war made Russians realize that guarding against us was unnecessary. Working together is not only beneficial to both sides but also contributes to this multipolar world.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505717056088654375/

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