It is vital to examines the dynamics of the global geopolitical structure in the recent decades and observes them in the process of changing gradually from a unipolar system controlled by the United States toward a system that is multipolar. Absolutely integral to introducing this improvement are the two countries as the most unique movers, China and Russia, which tried to act as world leaders and take over the role of the West. China and Russia are already a dominant force or at least making their presence increasingly felt in this new world order by achieving sustainable economic development, acquiring sophisticated weapon systems, engaging in diplomacy and forging strategic entente on regional basis.
The phenomenon took its roots after the Cold War which ended in 1991 especially after the collapse of USSR and entered its culmination with a new epoch of unipolarity in which the hegemonic power came to be dominated by the United States. Through force, dollars, and ideas of culture and diplomacy, the US was able to hegemonize major international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
At the same time as this the world saw the beginnings of other world power’s emergence particularly China and Russia. The rise of China’s economy and the rebirth of Russia under Putin signified for the beginning of the slowdown of American primacy. Nevertheless, today’s world can no longer be described as bipolar, and the United States, which remains a world superpower, does not dominate it. Now, instead, it is possible to speak about the new multipolar world where China and Russia take a special place.
The rise of China’s economy and the rebirth of Russia under Putin signified for the beginning of the slowdown of American primacy.
In recent years, two most eye-popping changes in global politics include the rise of China as an economic giant. In the last couple of decades, China has risen from being an agrarian country to being the second largest economy of the world. This economic development has provided China a bargaining chip on the international stage, especially on matters related to trade and investment. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project to lend infrastructure and trade routes from Asia to Europe and Africa, is one good example of how China is seeking to leverage on economic clout to gain influence.
The BRI has not only contributed towards economic development within most of the developing world but also afforded China a broader strategic presence. Through funding vital infrastructural projects, Beijing has built close relationship with countries in Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia to form a network of cooperation and dependency that has placed China among world powers. In addition, China, actively involved in regional organizations such as the SCO and the BRICS, has been able to secure a dominant position in laying the foundation of the international frameworks.
Politically, China has shown a more aggressive foreign policy approach, especially under the presidency of Xi Jinping. Its actions in the South China Sea, its approach towards unification with Taiwan, its management of Hong Kong’s previous independence demonstrate a new assertiveness in pursuing its goals. Amid the friction with Western nations, it shows how determined China is to ensure that it becomes one of the leading superpowers in the world.
Where China has leveraged economics to extend its influence, Russia has done the same through military and strategic power. Since Putin’s presidency Russia has gained a new assertiveness in the international system, especially as a military superpower. The actions by Russia to seize Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, engaging in the Syrian civil war and invasion of Ukraine all make Russia fundamentally uninterested in following the norms of the international community on the lawful use of force.
The evolution of China-Russia relations has become one the key aspects that define the changing balance of power in the world.
Military invasions, mostly in Ukraine, have seen Russia on the opposite side of the West, which has led to sanctions and diplomacy freeze. However, Russia has been able to sustain moderate degree of influence most notably in its own region of the world. By maintaining military force in eastern Europe and in the Arctic, and by anointing some of its allies including Iran and Syria, it evident that Moscow country seeks to exert muscles and ensure safety.
Russia has also aimed at sacking the Western-led international relations through forging a strong friendship with China. In recent years, there have been signing of agreements on diversification and growth of bilateral relation in the energy sector, defense, military and security, and trade. Despite the key issues between Russia and China, the foundation of this cooperation is aimed at limiting the power and authority of the United States and thus changing the international relations for the benefit of both.
The evolution of China-Russia relations has become one the key aspects that define the changing balance of power in the world on the eve of the multipolar system creation. Despite the remarkable fluctuation in relations going back to the Cold War, China and Russia enjoy a strategic cooperation today for resisting the dominance of the Western world. Both nations share a common goal: to combat the current world system and attempt to gain a more appropriate place for their needs and wants to be met.
China and Russia have been in a synergy, especially in diplomatic operations where their cooperation is louder and more apparent. Both countries are members of the UN Security Council and have frequently used their veto power to stall the West’s plans. Also, they have aligned their stances on matters like the Iran nuclear deal, conflict in Syria, and denuclearization of the DPRK, proving that they have shared vision of world’s stability.
