Editor's note: Wang Li is a professor at Jilin University. The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
On December 17, during his annual year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that Russia and China have common interests in many areas, adding that bilateral relations between the two strongest powers in Eurasia are a source of stability for the region.
A few days ago, the Belfer Center at Harvard University and the German Council on Foreign Relations worked out the latest strategic plan which called for a revitalization of"transatlantic power." As the U.S. and its allies perceive the rise of China and a resurgent Russia as geopolitical rivals, the plan aims to create a more powerful and purposeful transatlantic alliance to exclusively drive a new global agenda. In other words, their joint capacity in science research and digital technologies, let alone the military capabilities, must be unrivaled for now and in the future. No one country or its alliance should be in a position to have absolute mastery and domination over the others. This is the fundamental tenet in China and Russia's rejection of unilateralism and preponderance in the world.
The geographical advantage of China and Russia is unique and is further buttressed by their strategic consensus on many global issues. Yet, while they share interests in enhancing their strategic partnership, China and Russia have called for a new type of international relationship of openness, cooperation and common development.
For example, they have attached great significance to the connection of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the Eurasian Economic Union, which has allowed Russia, Belarus and three other countries in Central Asia to participate in the BRI.
A container is lifted by a gantry crane at Suifenhe Railway Port in Suifenhe, an important Chinese port for trade with Russia, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 28, 2020. /Xinhua
Similarly, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has defined the "Shanghai Spirit" as "mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development." Russia and China are the most important driving forces behind it.
Since the year 2020 witnessed a sea of changes unseen in a century, the two countries have unswervingly carried out consultation and coordination in the fight against COVID-19 and the defense of international equity and justice. For example, Putin condemned Western media and certain officials for blaming China for the COVID-19 pandemic. And China has become the largest export destination for Russia's agricultural products and remains its top trading partner.
Now under the China-Russia Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation framework, the two sides have rolled out a long list of cooperation projects. This testifies to the dynamics of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era as it has been grown much more firmly and stronger than ever, such as their joint defense of the outcome of the victory in WWII and support for each other to reject external interference in domestic affairs.
Considering the complexities and uncertainties in foreign affairs, it is necessary for China and Russia to project united strength, confidence and determination in defending their legitimate national interests and common concerns. Yet, neither Beijing nor Moscow has ever given up diplomatic efforts. In fact, the two countries have shown the willingness to have dialogues with the U.S. The ball is in President-elect Joe Biden's court, who can either continue U.S. President Trump's extreme and irresponsible foreign policy or chart a new era of cooperation not only with the "transatlantic power" but also with the international community including China and Russia, as they are sincere, confident and capable of playing a more constructive role in post-COVID-19 global governance.
Now as more Americans have begun to question the logic of U.S. global hegemony, even its efforts to stop Russia's Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany, it is necessary for the U.S. under the new administration to respect all countries' legitimate interests. China and Russia have no intention to replace the United States, but they do share interests in opposing U.S. hegemony. Accordingly, a sound and stable world order needs the cooperation of all countries, including a strong solidarity between China and Russia.
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