China-Russia Alliance: A Counter to Western Hegemony?

On a recent Friday, Chinese analysts remarked that the Western campaign to tarnish the cooperation between China and Russia is a strategic move in their ongoing battle for public opinion. Contrary to the West’s portrayal, China and Russia stand as staunch defenders of an international order founded upon the principles of international law. This assessment followed closely on the heels of statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the 20th-anniversary meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi, President Putin vociferously criticized the Western concept of a “rules-based order.” He argued that this view mirrors an antiquated colonialist mindset and is driven by bloc-based strategies. According to the official text of his speech on the Kremlin’s website, Putin went on to describe the West’s global dominance as a “gargantuan military and financial pyramid.” Such a structure, he noted, perpetually requires new “fuel” in the form of natural, technological, and human resources – often resources that are not theirs to claim.

Delving further into this “rules-based order,” Putin stated that the West, particularly the US, not only determines these rules but also prescribes how others should adhere to them. He criticized their demeanor, labeling it as overtly rude and aggressive – an evident throwback to the colonial era. He went on to challenge them with a terse reminder: “Wake up, this era has long gone and will never return.”

This spirited critique during the Valdai speech put into question the “rules-based order” that Western media and governments frequently champion. Cui Heng, an assistant research fellow at the Center for Russian Studies of East China Normal University, opined that Putin’s speech conveyed a clear message: these “rules” set by the West, rooted in their colonial past, are being enforced upon non-Western nations, rendering them inherently unjust.

In a conversation with the Global Times, Cui further elaborated on Putin’s viewpoint. He noted that Putin’s doubts about the current international order arise from the observable shifts in this order, especially post the Russia-Ukraine conflict. To Putin and others observing, the international order led by the West appears to be on the brink of dissolution.

Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between Russia and China, Putin, during the same event, lauded China’s significant strides in the global economy. Emphasizing the critical nature of the China-Russia alliance, Putin cited it as a stabilizing force in the international sphere, as reported by Russia’s TASS.

Putin also discussed enhancing ties with China, especially in security sectors. He clarified that this collaboration wouldn’t form new blocs. Instead, it is a necessary response to global events.

The Valdai Discussion Club’s annual meeting from October 2 to 5, focusing on “Fair Multipolarity: How to Ensure Security and Development for Everyone,” saw participation from over 140 specialists, legislators, and diplomats spanning more than 40 nations. This forum, which has been active for two decades, has witnessed the zenith of Western dominance. With the post-World War II multipolar international system nearing a potential collapse, collaboration between China and Russia seems not only logical but essential, according to Chinese analysts.

Cui stressed the vital role of China-Russia cooperation in preserving the post-war international order. This partnership ensures that the system founded on international law remains intact.

Contrarily, the West, Cui highlighted, is the real disruptor of global harmony. Pointing to the West’s involvement in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo, he emphasized their tendency to initiate conflict.

Regarding future bilateral collaborations, Putin mentioned plans for infrastructural development, which includes the vision of a Greater Eurasia, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the fostering of the “promising Belt and Road Initiative,” as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese analysts are clear-eyed about the Western perspective. They firmly believe that the West’s attempts to mischaracterize the China-Russia alliance are not borne out of misunderstanding. Instead, they view these attempts as a calculated strategy by the US-led West in their public opinion campaign.

Read More:

• Kim Jong Un and Putin’s Diplomatic Rendezvous: Implications and Expectations
• China-Russia Strategic Security Consultations: Strengthening a Global Partnership
• British Museum Theft Sparks International Demands for Return of Looted Relics