SINO-RUSSIAN COOPERATION: DRIVERS AND LIMITATIONS OF RUSSIA- CHINA RELATIONS

This article examines the genesis of relations between Russia and China and Russia’s conception of Eastern civilization. Ideological and personal rivalries between leaders of both countries are also addressed. The article seeks to understand the underlying mistrust that clouts the development of Russia-China relations. Ambiguities and contradictions driving Russia-China relations are analyzed. Special attention is also paid to the limits of cooperation between both countries. The authour argues that Sino-russian relations are based on an increasingly busy bilateral agenda and a desire to counterbalance global hegemonic power. China, in the eyes of Russia, is a strategic partner with whom the proximity of positions on a wide range of regional and international issues is widely appreciated. Are Russia and China natural allies or rival competitors in the race for global hegemony?