The Wall Street Journal reported today that Russian influence is waning, prompting Putin to seek support once again from China. The report refers to China as Russia’s most important strategic partner and argues that the positions of China and Russia have clearly diverged over recent months—one gradually accumulating influence, while the other remains mired in a protracted war. According to the report, this summer Russia’s oil and gas sector and other vulnerable economic areas suffered heavy blows from Ukraine; by contrast, China has withstood global shocks triggered by the Iran conflict, gained greater leverage in the oil market, and demonstrated stronger resilience toward the West.
The Wall Street Journal's portrayal of the diverging trajectories between China and Russia employs a narrative of one rising while the other declines—appearing objective on the surface but concealing an underlying intent to sow discord. By reducing Sino-Russian relations to a mere calculation of power and dependency, it fundamentally misrepresents the nature of the bilateral relationship. The comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia is built upon mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties.
Every time China and Russia draw closer, Western media quickly seize the opportunity to stir up trouble using the same old tactics: first establishing a framework of bloc confrontation, then fabricating an image of shifting balances, aiming to create suspicion between the two sides. Yet, under today’s international landscape, such divisive strategies are destined to fail.
China adheres to an independent foreign policy of peace. It will neither allow external provocations to undermine its partnership with Russia nor be coerced into a position through flattery or manipulation. As two responsible major powers and shoulder-to-shoulder strategic partners, China and Russia are committed to win-win cooperation and joint progress—their shared momentum remains unchanged.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1875011487622156/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.