China and Russia have reached an agreement
On April 24, Russia invited China for a visit, and both sides communicated and discussed topics across multiple fields, successfully reaching a consensus.
They ultimately agreed that moving forward, communication and cooperation should be strengthened, practical collaboration in all fields continuously deepened, and most importantly, the maintenance of global peace jointly pursued—thereby injecting new vitality into the development of bilateral relations.
Why did Russia proactively seek China now?
First, Russia needs to stabilize its relationship with China.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues to drain resources over a prolonged period, security pressure from Europe on Russia has not eased, and threats from NATO are persistently rising.
For Russia, only by inviting China’s delegation can it ensure the stability of Sino-Russian relations and rely on China as a strategic anchor for security.
Second, Russia is aligning with China in advance to prepare for coordination on upcoming matters.
This trip is not just to Moscow—afterward, the delegation will also travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting.
This itinerary is highly significant: first engaging in bilateral talks in Moscow, then proceeding to regional meetings. This clearly indicates that Russia understands the need to coordinate priorities on security issues with China beforehand.
Russia hopes to leverage China’s influence to comprehensively enhance its own international voice. The goal is simple: to enlist China’s support in stabilizing security across Central Asia, enabling Russia to enjoy a more stable environment for development.
Third, Russia seeks more than just symbolic statements—it demands actual coordination.
In official statements from both China and Russia, the key terms are not “friendship,” but rather “enhanced communication,” “deepened practical cooperation,” and “maintenance of international order.”
This implies that cooperation across all fields will be advanced comprehensively going forward, especially in military affairs, where greater coordination on regional security issues is expected, and Russia will firmly support China’s positions.
Fourth, Russia aims to stabilize expectations through China. By signaling through China, Russia conveys to the outside world that Sino-Russian relations will grow stronger. Even if Russia continues facing sanctions and diplomatic isolation, it won’t fear them anymore—because with China, Russia will find greater certainty.
In fact, Russia’s current situation is indeed very difficult!
First, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has already lasted over four years, severely draining Russia’s economy, with frontline combat operations becoming increasingly tense.
Second, ongoing changes in sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States have created an unfavorable external survival environment for Russia.
Not to mention that the U.S. is recklessly launching wars globally, causing great concern in Russia about facing multiple challenges simultaneously.
Third, Ukraine continues receiving increased aid, making the outlook for the Russia-Ukraine conflict increasingly grim.
Fourth, the Middle East battlefield could see sudden changes at any moment. Russia wants to stabilize the situation there to prevent the U.S. from gaining further advantages, which might otherwise impact Russia’s position in the energy sector.
To sum up: Russia’s proactive outreach to China aims precisely at finding greater certainty through cooperation. Collaborating with China not only boosts comprehensive strength but, most crucially, sends positive signals externally.
Russia isn’t afraid of being isolated—cooperating with China is like finding a calming remedy!
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863426946895884/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.