Abstract

Sino-Russian military cooperation has a long history stemming from their shared ideological leanings during the twentieth century. However, this military cooperation has evolved greatly, especially during the last two decades during which this multifaceted cooperation has emerged as a balancing force to US unipolar hegemony since the end of the cold War. This paper seeks to understand the history, development, and ongoing dynamics of the Chinese and Russian military cooperation that seeks to strategically invalidate the chaos rendered in the wake of US invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan and a host of other interventions throughout the world. This paper also attempts to validate the potential of this cooperation to act as a stabilizing force in the sphere of global politics as the world moves from unipolar hegemony to a skewed multi-polarity in the coming decades.. 

Key Words

Introduction

Historically, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China had worked together. This partnership has a long history that dates back to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. It was founded on a communist philosophy, which kept these two countries connected as they worked to spread communism and resist capitalism. In the early 1950s, the United States and its allies attempted to halt the spread of communism by forming alliances spanning most of the Eurasian coastline. Starting in East Asia with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia and progressing to Turkey, the US alliance system in the perusal of containment against the former Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. Such policies exacerbated the situation, thus bringing both communist countries closer to seek closer cooperation in a variety of other areas.

Countries must have mutual objectives in

order to work together over the long run. Economic gains, common foreign policy goals, and close military and diplomatic relations are the key forces behind state cooperation in the field of international politics. Later, when the former Soviet Union refrained from taking sides in numerous situations and sought to reach a compromise with the West and the United States of America instead, things were to shift drastically. These two nations grew closer after the Cold War due to a number of geopolitical and geo-economics factors. The primary dynamics we'll talk about in this chapter are based on the advantages both nations have in these areas and how they're growing their collaboration.

The cooperation between China and Russia on military matters is one of the most important aspects for both nations. China is experiencing troubles in the South China Sea and feels besieged by its neighbors, who are supported by the United States of America, similar to how Russia was already uneasy with NATO during the annexation of Crimea. The two countries have had close military and defense relations since 1949, so this cooperation is nothing new. Russia has the most cutting-edge weapons outside of America, and China is a suitable and reliable consumer from whom to purchase that technology. When it comes to their military ties, these two nations have a great deal to offer one another. 




Dimensions of Military Cooperation between Russian and China

In terms of geopolitics and geo-economics, Russia and China are very close allies. They are automatically very close in terms of military cooperation due to these two characteristics. Both nations are currently working together on every aspect of defense and defense production. The largest purchaser of Russian military hardware is China, and this list is extensive. China wants Russian weaponry because they are highly advanced, and another reason is that Western nations are reluctant to supply Beijing with defense-related technology due to US pressure. There were instances where the USA exerted pressure on other nations to avoid security ties with China.

The largest purchaser of Russian military hardware is China, and this list is extensive. China wants Russian weaponry because they are highly advanced, and another reason is that Western nations are reluctant to supply China defense-related technology because of pressure from the United States. There have been instances where the USA put pressure on other nations to avoid military and defense collaboration with China.

Israel backed down on a deal involving an airborne radar system for $250 million in the year 2000. (Perlez, 2000) Although Israel had previously equipped one aircraft with the Phalcon radar system and was scheduled to deliver it to China, China had already paid 100 million dollars for this agreement. If this agreement had came to pass, China could have acquired an advanced airborne warning and Control System commonly known as AWACS. Such systems are quite sophisticated and functions as airborne radar that serves to gain communication and intelligence superiority in aerial combat.

The mutual understanding and defense needs of the two countries form the foundation of this collaboration. At a cost of $2 billion, Russia last year agreed to supply China with 24 of its most advanced fighter aircraft.(Stolyarov, 2015) The SU-35 is a twin-engine, very sophisticated jet fighter. The Chinese air force will be able to use this aircraft to counter more capable regional air forces like Japan and India.

Chinese Military

Grand Strategies of China and Russia

A grand strategy is a plan created by the states  

accomplish their long-term objectives from their range of options. This phrase plays a significant role in the study of international relations and is mostly dependent on the effectiveness of state initiatives. This comprehensive approach was developed following an examination of the states' internal and external environments. to deal with significant challenges that affect national interests or the interests of large countries that also prioritize global interests Many factors, including economic policies, military capabilities, the caliber of leaders, diplomats, alliances, and long-term planning, influence this grand strategy. Grand Strategies are not always made by historians or military strategists; economists also play a significant part in developing a Grand Strategy for a country.

The success of each country's grand strategy depends heavily on Sino-Russian collaboration and Chinese and Russian grand plans. States use elaborate plans to accomplish long-term goals in the areas of geopolitics and geo-economics. Analyzing the relative strength and capability of states in relation to their goals is necessary for good planning when creating a grand strategy. As we previously learned, the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China have been working together once again for the last 20 years.

States develop a solid and dependable grand strategy using a variety of factors, including economics, statecraft, statesmanship, military might, and global political situations. For various reasons, both China and Russia need a grand plan. Although China's economy is rising, its national interests in the South and East China Seas are not secure. She also feels as though the USA-supported coalition is surrounding her. Similar to the Russian Federation, which required a grand strategy to overcome the detrimental consequences of the sanctions imposed after it annexed Crimea.

The economic direction and lack of any challenge to the current International political system is another crucial component of this confluence of purposes in their grand strategy, on which they are working. In the aftermath of the ongoing war in Ukraine, this collaboration has deepened even further. Due to this collaboration, even the balance of power on the planet will stay unchanged, protecting global stability and prosperity.




Imperatives of China and Russia in Geopolitical Context

All nations have certain powerful regions of capability, influence, and power, although some of those areas are shallower than others. Similar to how China and Russia both have significant positions in global geopolitics and geo-economics; they nevertheless face some challenges that might make it difficult for them to realize their strategic objectives. As an example, following the horrific events of 9/11, the USA approached Pakistan for strategic assistance in the fight against terrorism, despite the country's large military presence globally. (Musharraf, 2006) The USA didn't just request assistance from Pakistan but also from the Russian Federation, despite the fact that at the time there were poor relations between the two nations as a result of the Russian federation's strong measures against opposition people and parties and its breaches of human rights. The United States' future geopolitical and geo-economics objectives in the Middle East may depend on the Russian Federation and China developing strong diplomatic and economic ties in the region.

Figure 1

Source:http://www.southchinasea.org/maps/territorial-claims-maps/
At the moment, China is at the epicenter of global geopolitics and geo-economics. China is the world's largest importer of raw materials and exporter of consumer goods. With 1.3 billion people, China is also the largest country in the world. She is strategically located close to the Straits of Malacca, through which 70% of global traffic passes. The political and economic positions of her neighbors are likewise quite powerful. The countries of Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Russia are in close proximity to China. The world wants to have strong commercial relations with the Chinese government because of the global expansion of her corporate concerns. Since this world is not founded on utopian ideals, even China has certain problems that might impede its advancement in the geopolitical and economic spheres. 
China's greatest obstacle is the situation of its maritime borders. Since the seas are not open, she must share them with her neighbors hence the term "close seas" is used. Any state can cut off its economic lifeline in the case of a conflict by enforcing a naval blockade or utilizing area denial tactics such as mines. Chinese anxieties are confirmed by the American military presence in the area, and the militarization of the Indo-Pacific region is increasing her sense of economic and political insecurity. In actuality, America is intensifying her military readiness in China's environs. Both military bases and increased military cooperation with the nations in the area that surround China are examples of this military presence.

The issue in the South China Sea

The South China Sea conflict, which involves Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and China as claimants, is another crucial problem for China. Large underwater gas and oil resources as well as the crucial shipping corridor known as the Straits of Malacca give this area a very high geo-strategic significance. China has made significant investments in the South China Sea region, including a $4.9 billion investment in the Huangyuan gas field.

Figure 2



Source:http://www.chinabriefing.com/news/2011/0

5/31/chinas-territorial-disputes-in-the-south-china-sea-and-east-china-sea.html 




Issues in the East China Sea

China also has to deal with the issue of the East China Sea. In this issue, South Korea, Japan, and China are the primary claimants. The issue here is that although the East China Sea is 360 nautical miles wide with competing claims of and exclusive economic zone of nearly 200 nautical miles as permitted under UNCLOS by Japan and China. The regions of their claim will, to put it simply, overlap.

Taiwan has a claim to the South China Sea's underwater resources as well. The primary source of contention between Japan and China is the abundance of oil and gas reserves in South China. China has made significant investments in the East China Sea region. It has already made 4.9 billion dollars in deposits for subterranean gas fields and plans to make an additional 5 billion dollars in the near future. (Aizhu, 2013)

The Chinese government has long had severe concerns about American Marines stationed in the Pacific Ocean. America is bolstering her presence in the Pacific area by expanding the number of her bases and arming her allies with cutting-edge equipment. After the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003, many Asian countries believed that the United States' strategic influence was waning and that it was now more focused on the Middle East in order to protect its strategic interests there. By launching this Policy of Pivot to Asia in 2013, the Obama administration reaffirmed its commitment to the nations of the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and the United States agreed to build a new military facility in the Philippines as well.

This will enable the United States and its allies to better encircle China at sea. The presence of Japanese and American forces will undoubtedly give the Philippines a boost of confidence, and China will be discouraged from waging war against the Philippines as a result of their presence. In addition to this, the USA stationed troops in Australia last year to strengthen her position in the region. In order to strengthen Japan's military capabilities against China in the event of a confrontation, the United States is also providing Japan with the cutting-edge F-35 fighter fighters.  (Janes | Latest Defence and Security News, n.d.)

Russian Imperatives

Due to it being a transcontinental country and near

proximity to Central Asian Republics, Russia is in a particularly fortunate position as a nation. Without a question, her diplomatic sphere of influence is expanding and her economy is growing, particularly in light of her involvement in the ongoing Syrian Civil War. Russia is seen as a trustworthy friend by President Bashar Al-Assad, and Syria is home to a Russian Naval station in the coastal city of Latakia. Without a question, Russia's acquisition of Crimea enhanced her reputation as a military superpower, but it also brought about certain unfavorable economic conditions. The manner in which Russia invaded Crime speaks volumes about her growing political and military influence in world affairs and politics.

Russia is a significant participant in regional politics and an SCO partner (Shanghai Cooperation Organization). Russia is also in the forefront of the battle against terrorism in Central Asia, and the two countries work closely together to prevent the spread of terrorism in the area. The Russian Federation has good military and commercial ties with the main regional nations of the world and is one of the leading exporters of weaponry in the world. Due to its extensive transit across her sphere of influence, Russia must play a significant role in the development of the. BRI. Unfortunately, Russia has several needs that might compromise its position as a significant international force.

The largest issue Russia is now dealing with is population decline. There are currently 146 million people living in Russia, and the population is steadily declining. There are several causes for this population decline. First, due to the dismal economic situation following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, there is an issue with immigration from Russia to other regions of the world. Conditions for going abroad improved after the former Soviet Union's fall, and the public began to choose western nations because of their promising futures. (Miller, 2011)

According to some estimates, 109 million people will live in Russia in 2050 if population growth continues at the current rate. President Putin of the Russian Federation started offering incentives to mothers who want to have more than two children. Brain drain, wherein educated people chose to display their professional skill in other nations rather than the Russian Federation, was another issue Russia once faced.

The ethnic conflict between ethnic Russians and migrants is another issue that the Russian Federation is dealing with. These immigrants left the Central Asian republics in search of a brighter future in Russia since the economic conditions there are superior to those in their own countries. These migrant laborers are a disguised gift for the Russian Federation since they provide a supply of inexpensive labor and provide Russia the benefit of producing industrial goods at a low cost. Due to the Russian economy's low cost of production, international commerce with Russian goods is booming.

The ethnic conflict of ethnic Russians with migrants is another issue that Russian Federation has to deal with. These immigrants left the Central Asian republics in search of a brighter future in Russia since the economic conditions there are superior to those in their own countries. These migrant laborers are a disguised gift for the Russian Federation since they provide a supply of inexpensive labor and provide Russia the benefit of producing industrial goods at a low cost. Due to the Russian economy's low cost of production, international commerce with Russian goods is booming. Because of the decline in employment prospects for ethnic Russians, these migrant laborers can also sometimes trigger ethnic unrest. (Startfor.com, 2016)

Russian Chinese Cooperation in Defense and Global Politics

In order to create and carry out a great grand strategy, Russia and China are also collaborating in the area of defense cooperation. One of the most advanced defense businesses in the world is found in Russia. China has the money to purchase this Russian Federation technology. Both nations collaborate strategically in accordance with one another's requirements. China has purchased a Russian S-400 System to strengthen her coastal defenses against incoming missiles, along with fighter planes. After these missiles are installed, neither Taiwanese nor American forces will ever consider violating Chinese airspace. After the native Russians, China will be the first country to use this missile system. Following the Japanese air force's acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, Russia and China also agreed to a contract for the cutting-edge SU-35 fighter aircraft last year. China will be able to secure her geopolitical goals in the South and East China Seas with the aid of this collaboration.

Both of these powers contributed significantly and positively during the past 20 years. They positively contributed their ideas for answers to all the major global problems. Various states have different zones of influence on problems and matters in international politics. They carry out their duties in accordance with their unique economic might and diplomatic standing. In this way, the idea of restraint is put into practice. There were several instances over the last 20 years when the globe was on the verge of anarchy or, to put it another way, when the balance of power in the world was about to shift. By demonstrating their shared opinions on crucial issues, these two major powers both played vital roles.

References

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