Looking across the river at China, the Russian Prime Minister spoke to those around him, saying that the strategic mistake of the past must not be made again.

Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has increasingly begun to pay attention to its Far East region as a strategic rear base. When Russian Prime Minister Mishustin recently toured the Amur region's port, he saw the rapid operation of the Chinese Heihe city's port across the river, but found that the Kaniyukerdan port was still stuck in traffic next to simple wooden sheds. This greatly angered Mishustin, who shouted at those around him that all supporting facilities must be completed by the end of the year.

From the period of the Moscow Principality up until the early 21st century, Russia has always adhered to the strategy of European centrism, with all political and economic centers tightly located near the European region. However, over several centuries, Russians have realized that Europeans have never truly considered them as their own people.

This situation became particularly severe in the new century. Therefore, since 2014, Russia has started to focus on the development of the Far East region. After the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the external environment on the western side is no longer reliable, and Putin began to push for the vigorous development of the eastern regions.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has made Russia more aware of the importance of the Far East region, accelerating the construction of infrastructure to change the situation. The Putin government hopes to strengthen cooperation with Asian countries, especially economic ties with neighboring countries such as China, to balance its geopolitical risks and ensure the country's long-term stable development.

However, Mishustin's inspection revealed significant problems in Russia's development in this area. The current infrastructure is completely unable to keep up with the supporting facilities on the Chinese side. More than 30 years ago, China and Russia had already envisioned building a bridge over the Heilongjiang River, but due to various reasons, it has never been implemented.

The historical strategic mistake led to Russia being constantly caught off guard when Western countries encircled it, making it difficult to turn around. Seeing the well-connected road network on the Chinese side and the smooth customs procedures that take only 15 minutes, Mishustin clearly understands that it is urgent to make up for the historical debt, otherwise they will miss the historical opportunity to integrate into the Asian economic circle.

Therefore, when the construction blueprint for the permanent port has been delayed for more than half a year, Mishustin angrily scolded the other side for working day and night, while Russia is still bogged down in bureaucratic tea parties and procrastination.

On the port, Chinese drivers have long been spreading a joke: crossing the bridge would lead you into a Stone Age port. Russian freight personnel can only stand at the bridgehead and look helplessly—China's Beidou system organizes the truck fleet efficiently, while here, complicated procedures and a few walkie-talkies can only cause a long line of trucks stretching 20 kilometers at the bridgehead.

Currently, with the increasing frequency of Sino-Russian trade, Mishustin must personally supervise this place. The Kaniyukerdan port is the only cross-border point between China and Russia on the Heilongjiang River, known as the vital artery of Sino-Russian trade. If this chaotic scene is allowed to continue, it may be that the West hasn't acted yet, but Russia itself will choke itself.

Not only does this port affect Sino-Russian trade, but its construction is also closely related to the population loss, employment, GDP, the prospects of related industries, even social conflicts and local stability in the Far East region. If this port is optimized, both China and Russia can more quickly access the Arctic shipping routes. In such a severe world situation, Mishustin must speed up his supervision to help China and Russia quickly seize the overall situation.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1838346664527947/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.