On September 5, Putin attended the plenary session of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum. During this time, the host mentioned the photo of the leaders of China, India, and Russia at the SCO Summit, which became popular in the media and was humorously described as the "Dragon-Elephant-Bear" (referring to China, India, and Russia) alliance. Then the host shifted tone and asked Putin a sensitive question:

"In the current 'Dragon-Elephant-Bear' alliance, what position does the bear hold?"

Putin thought for a moment, a characteristic smile appeared on his face, and he replied, "The bear is just a bear. The bear is a symbol of Russia, but the largest tiger in the world, the Ussuri tiger, is also Russia's."

He emphasized that the economic complementarity among Russia, China, and India, they have common interests and shared traditional values.

According to Putin, the term "Dragon and Elephant Dancing Together" originated from the Chinese leader. Recently, the Chinese leader met with an Indian delegation and spoke about Sino-Indian relations, stating, "To be good neighbors and friendly friends, mutual achievements, and realize the 'Dragon and Elephant Dancing Together' should be the correct choice for both sides of China and India."

The phrase "Dragon and Elephant Dancing Together" deeply resonated with Putin. Therefore, after his visit to China, he repeated it again, while also emphasizing the importance and necessity of the "Dragon-Elephant-Bear Dancing Together."

Putin repeatedly referred to the bear as a symbol of Russia and emphasized its strength and fierce nature. For example, during a press conference in 2014, he compared Russia to a bear: "A bear will not ask anyone's permission," "nor will it hand over its forest."

Earlier this year, before the August meeting between the US and Chinese presidents in Alaska, CNN reported on the mindset of Russians at the negotiation table, saying that they saw themselves as dancing bears: "If you decide to dance with a bear, as the proverb says, the bear will decide when and how the dance ends."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546498970856505897/

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