“Russia & China cooperate much better than ever before”

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Published time: August 14, 2010 23:58
Edited time: August 16, 2010 18:39

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China, Economy, Interview, Politics

Vice Chancellor of research and international relations at the Russian Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy, Evgeny Bazhanov, spoke with RT about China’s overwhelming growth and the challenges it faces.

The Chinese economy is overheating and it has been overheating all the time, said Bazhanov, because “they have disproportions between the sectors of the economy which grow very fast, for example industry, and at the same time they do not have enough resources.”

As for China’s role in global politics, Bazhanov said it is crucial, and in most cases very positive, as China tries to bring peace and stability to the world.

“They need it because they are preoccupied with internal problems, with their internal development, and they need a peaceful environment,” Bazhanov said.

As for Russia-China relations, Bazhanov said they have never been better.

“Even when we were allies in the 1950s, we didn’t have such cooperation as we have now and I think it’s because our relations now are based on a very solid basis. First of all, we have the same outlook as far as the international system is concerned: we want it to be multi-polar and they want it to be multi-polar, not controlled by the US or the west, but based on the UN, on international law, and on collective decisions of all countries of the world,” he said.

“Secondly, on most concrete international issues we have similar positions – on Korea, Iran, the expansion of NATO, the Middle East, etc. In addition to this, we did have problems left from history – all those issues were solved. Another factor is that we don’t have ideological differences which existed in the Soviet times. As I said, we were allies, but then, because of the ideological differences and geopolitical differences, and the border issue, etc., we became enemies. And to add another factor which helps to improve and promote relations between Russia and China, is the economic factor. We have economic interdependence.”

“Some people in Russia say that China is growing too fast and it is becoming stronger than Russia, so the balance of power is changing in the Chinese favor so China can become a threat. But I reply to those people that, back in the beginning of the 20th century, there were people in Russia – quite a few, by the way – politicians, journalists, writers, who used to say that China was going to be threat number one for Russia in the 20th century. Instead of this, we did have two wars against our Christian brothers in the west and we didn’t fight with the Chinese,” Bazhanov said.

Comments (3)

PR101 16.08.2010 13:24

Enrique do you see any chance that Russia will allow dark skinned Africans to settle in this part of Russia?

Undo

Enrique 15.08.2010 23:36

a) North Korea should participate in the 2012 APEC Summit in Vladivostok the same way as both China and Taiwan participate. b) Ekaterinburg, in Siberia but next to the Central District, should become the capital of the Russian Federation. That will mean a revolution in the mind of Russians. c) Russia can substitute Australia as the main raw materials exporter to China, and also become an exporter of fresh water, energy and software. Vladivostok is already becoming the port for Heilongiang province´s exports to the rest of the World saving $ millions in transportation costs. Almost 80% of the population in the Russian Federation lives still in the European side and the population in the Far East has decreased during the last two decades. That can only change thanks to Trade and Immigration (both from the rest of Russia and Ukraine, and from Asian countries like Korea, China, Philipines, India and Vietnam)

Undo

Zak 15.08.2010 08:38

Superb interview...thanks for that! Mr.Bazhanov describe China truthfull , in any aspect. China is the biggest and oldest civilization on our planet.Many civilizations who follow, learned a lot from China....They are peaceful nation true history and I dont think that they will become threat to anyone.Ofcourse they will become no.1 superpower by all means and for that they don't need wars! For sure,if someone try to stop them playing dirty-China will react no matter what. Powers from the West always try to medle in natural selection and stop others to become what they shall be by wageing wars,etc. Desperately, they try to keep things as they are but this is a mission impossible anyway.As long as China is peaceful I don't mind-it's just fine with me.At least they never suck blood of others to live nice...West doing that for more than 2000 years but end is coming fast!Russian and China partnership and friendship will grow up in future.They are endeed true Superpowers in everithing-military, moral and peaceful above all. Majority of people around the world ,like to live without wars in multipolar world, where justice is same for all...China and Russia for sure can bring us that in future! I will also said: It was a WISE policy of Russia to save China in the past...From Japanise ocupation and from West secret plans that some parts of China have to remain a part of Japan after WW2! In Korea war you give them air protection and also stop Usa to drop nuclear bombs on them! In China there is no such of thing as duble standards becouse everyone in the same in the eyes of law so I trust their view...World in the end ,need peace for prosperity and NOT 24/7 WARS as we have till now. Isn't just that what we all hope to see...Thank you.

Undo