CHINA-RUSSIA SECURITY RELATIONS: STRATEGIC PARALLELISM WITHOUT PARTNERSHIP OR PASSION?

Chinese-Russian security relations directly concern
many subjects of interest to the Strategic Studies
Institute. These areas include regional conflicts,
nonproliferation issues, and military force balances.
Given the importance of these two countries in
international affairs, however, almost any foreign
policy action of their governments affects some
American national interest.
For almost 2 decades, China and Russia have been
strengthening their security ties. Nonetheless, as this
monograph makes clear, the relationship between
Beijing and Moscow remains in flux. In some cases,
they share overlapping interests. In other instances,
they compete for power and wealth, particularly for
oil and gas resources.
Many factors will affect Sino-Russian ties—
including developments within China and Russia as
well as external events. As part of this mix, American
policies will also have some impact on the future
foreign behavior of both countries.
Although Washington should attempt to develop
good security relations with both countries, American
policymakers must also prepare to respond effectively
should relations between these two great powers
evolve in ways that threaten core American values
and interests. This monograph suggests some policy
proposals to that effect.