The Rise of China and Russia As Geopolitical Global Powers In a Multipolar New World Order
5 April 2023 | Imran Siddiqui | Justice News | Washington D.C.
The Global South Uniting Against The Hegemony of the Global West. And Winning. The world has seen a shift in global power dynamics over the last few years and decades. The United States, which had long been the sole superpower, is now being challenged by rising powers like China and Russia. As these two nations grow in power and influence, they are coming together to promote international cooperation in a new multipolar world.
China and Russia have a long history of working together, dating back to the Soviet era when the two nations were allies. Their partnership has become stronger in recent years, driven by their shared interests and a desire to challenge the dominance of the United States in global affairs. The following are some examples of how China and Russia are working together to promote international cooperation.
Economic Cooperation
One of the key areas of cooperation between China and Russia is in the economic sphere. Both nations have been hit by economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies, and as a result, they have been forced to rely more on each other for trade and investment. China has become Russia's largest trading partner, and the two countries have signed numerous economic agreements in recent years.
Besides China being the largest importer of oil from Russia, one notable example is the China-Russia East-Route Natural Gas Pipeline, which was completed in 2022. This pipeline, which runs from Siberia to China, is one of the world's longest and has the capacity to supply China with 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year from 2024. The project is a testament to the growing economic ties between the two countries and their commitment to promoting international cooperation.
Military Cooperation
China and Russia have also been increasing their military cooperation in recent years. Both nations are facing growing challenges from the United States and its allies, and they see cooperation in the military sphere as a way to counter this threat.
In 2019, China and Russia conducted their first joint air patrol in the Asia-Pacific region. The patrol involved long-range bombers and fighter jets from both countries and was seen as a show of strength against the United States and its allies in the region.
In addition to joint military exercises, China and Russia have also been increasing their arms sales to each other. In 2019, China purchased 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, and the two nations have signed agreements for the sale of other weapons systems.
Diplomatic Cooperation
China and Russia have been working together to promote their shared interests in international diplomacy. Both nations are members of the United Nations Security Council, and they have often worked together to block resolutions that they see as harmful to their interests and to other nations.
One notable example is their joint opposition to the United States' proposed resolution on Venezuela in 2019. The resolution called for new elections in Venezuela and an end to the crisis in the country. However, China and Russia vetoed the resolution, arguing that it was an attempt by the United States to interfere in Venezuela's internal affairs.
China and Russia have also been working together to promote their vision of a multipolar world order. They have called for an end to the dominance of the United States and its allies and for a more equal distribution of power in global affairs.
The Crux
China and Russia are rising powers that are challenging the dominance of the United States in global matters especially when it comes to the internal affairs of a country. They have been working together to promote international cooperation in a multipolar world, with a focus on economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation. While there are certainly challenges to this partnership, including differences in ideology and strategic interests, their collaboration has already had a significant impact on the world and will likely continue to do so in the years to come.
What is their contribution to world peace and development of their countries and their neighborhoods promoting joint cooperation?
Russia and China have made significant contributions to world peace and the development of their own countries and others through their collective cooperation. Their partnership has resulted in a range of initiatives that promote economic growth, political stability, and regional security, despite both nations being involved in overt or covert military operations.
Empowerment of Economies
Russia and China have been promoting economic development through a range of initiatives, including joint investments in infrastructure, energy, and technology. For example, the China-Russia High-Speed Railway is a project that aims to connect Moscow and Beijing, which will improve transportation and trade links between the two countries. The project is expected to boost economic growth and create massive employment opportunities in both China and Russia.
Similarly, the Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF) was established in 2012 to finance joint investments in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and transportation. The fund has invested in a number of projects, including the development of Russia's Far East and the construction of a bridge connecting Russia and China.
Political Stability
China and Russia have also contributed to political stability in their own countries and others in their neighborhoods. For example, China has been working to promote peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. China has been a key player in the talks between North Korea and the United States, and it has called for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. China has also suggested a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia and has paved the way to make peace between Saudia Arabia and Iran.
Similarly, Russia has been working to promote peace and stability in Syria. Russia has been supporting the Syrian government in its fight against the Islamic State and other extremist groups. It has also been working to broker a political settlement to the conflict in Syria.
Regional Security
China and Russia have contributed to regional security in their own neighborhoods and beyond. For example, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a regional security alliance that includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. The SCO has been working to promote stability and security in the region by sharing intelligence, conducting joint military exercises, and coordinating counterterrorism efforts.
Both countries have also been working together to promote security in the Arctic region. The two nations have been increasing their military presence in the territory, and have been working to promote peaceful cooperation and sustainable development in the area.
Russia and China have made significant contributions to world peace and development through their joint cooperation. Despite their differences in ideology and strategic interests, their partnership has resulted in a range of initiatives that promote economic growth, political stability, and regional security.
OTHER AREAS OF COOPERATION
In addition to the areas mentioned above, China and Russia are cooperating in a wide range of other fields, creating positive trends and a balance in geopolitics. Some of these areas include:
Energy Cooperation: China and Russia have been cooperating in the field of energy, which is critical for both countries. Russia is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world, while China is the world's largest energy consumer. The two countries have been collaborating on several projects, such as the Power of Siberia gas pipeline and the Yamal liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. These projects have helped China to diversify its energy sources, while Russia has secured a stable market for its energy exports.
Military Cooperation: Russia and China have also been cooperating in the field of military technology and equipment. This cooperation has led to joint military exercises, the development of advanced military equipment, and the joint production of military hardware. The two countries are also working together to counter common security threats, such as terrorism, sanctions, and cyber-attacks.
Cultural Exchange: China and Russia have been promoting cultural exchange to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. They have been organizing various cultural events, such as film festivals, exhibitions, and seminars, to showcase their cultural heritage and promote people-to-people exchanges. These initiatives have helped to strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries, and have contributed to the growth of tourism and trade.
Science and Technology Cooperation: They have also been cooperating in the field of science and technology, which is critical for their economic growth and competitiveness. The two countries have established several joint research centers, focusing on areas such as biotechnology, space technology, and artificial intelligence. They have also been sharing their expertise in collaborating on several other projects, such as the joint development of a new long-range passenger jet aircraft.
Trade Cooperation: Both nations have been cooperating in the field of trade, with the aim of boosting their economic growth and development. The two countries have been increasing their trade volume, and have set a target of reaching $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2024. They have also been working to improve their trade infrastructure, such as ports and railways, to facilitate the easy flow of goods and services internally and around the world.
The mutual cooperation between China and Russia in various fields is creating positive trends and a balance in geopolitics. Their partnership has helped to promote economic growth, political stability, and regional security, not only in their own countries but also in their neighboring regions. As their cooperation deepens, we will likely see more joint initiatives that will further enhance their relationship and contribute to global economics.
How do other countries and continents of the world see China and Russia coming together?
The views of other countries and continents towards China and Russia coming together as a multipolar power in the new world order are multifarious and complex. Some countries in Africa and Asia view this partnership positively, while others in the West view it with mistrust or even suspicion.
For some countries in Africa and Asia, China and Russia's partnership represents an opportunity for greater cooperation and mutual benefit. These countries see China and Russia as major global powers with vast resources and expertise that can help them to achieve their own development goals. For example, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been welcomed by many African and Asian countries as a means to enhance their infrastructure and connectivity, while Russia's Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) has offered trade and investment opportunities to neighboring countries.
However, other countries in Europe and North America are more cautious in their approach to China and Russia's partnership, due to concerns over crossing their red lines, world dominance, control of resources, or a perceived threat to NATO expansion or issues such as human rights and regional security.
Some countries are concerned that China and Russia's partnership could lead to a new era of geopolitical rivalry and competition, which could have negative consequences for regional stability and development. For instance, U.S. and Australia are concerned about China's expanding military presence in the South China Sea, and Europe is concerned about Russia's involvement in Crimea in 2014 and in Ukraine in 2022, while the people of Donbas disagree with the critics of Russia.
The views of other countries and continents towards China and Russia's partnership are complex and multifaceted. While some countries see this partnership as an opportunity for greater collaboration and growth, others view it with caution or doubt. As Russia and China continue to deepen their relationship and expand their influence, it is probable that we will see a range of different reactions and responses from the U.S. U.K. Germany, and France including other countries and regions around the world.
Which countries have shown positive responses to the rise of Russia and China as the new multipolar world powers?
Several countries have given optimistic responses to the rise of China and Russia as the new multipolar world powers while others are alarmed. As world dynamics in geopolitics shift, there has been a fairly good global reaction to this growing alliance.
Some of the countries showed highly favorable responses to the China and Russia coalition, despite receiving threats for making their independent decisions.
Pakistan: Pakistan has welcomed China and Russia's partnership as a positive development that could bring stability to the region. The country has been working closely with China on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan has been developing closer ties with Russia, with the two countries signing a defense cooperation agreement in 2014.
India: While India has historically been wary of China's rise, the country has recently expressed a willingness to engage with China and Russia on issues of mutual interest. In 2019, India participated in a trilateral meeting with China and Russia, where the three countries discussed regional security issues. India has also expressed an interest in joining Russia's Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). India is now the second largest oil importer of Russia and their alliance is growing.
Iran: Iran has welcomed China and Russia's partnership as a means to counterbalance the influence of the United States and other Western powers. The country has been developing closer ties with both China and Russia, with the three countries working together on issues such as trade, security, and energy cooperation. In 2020, China and Iran signed a 25-year strategic partnership agreement, which includes cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and defense.
Egypt: Egypt has been working to develop closer ties with both China and Russia, seeing them as important partners in the region. The country has been participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative, with several infrastructure projects underway. Egypt is expanding its military ties with Russia, with the two countries conducting joint military exercises since signing a defense cooperation agreement in 2014.
Philippines: Despite some tensions in the South China Sea, the Philippines has expressed a willingness to work with China and Russia on issues of mutual interest. In 2017, the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia on defense cooperation, while also increasing trade and investment with China.
These are some of the countries that have given positive responses to the rise of China and Russia as new multipolar world powers, seeing them as important partners for regional stability and development. While some concerns remain, particularly around issues of human rights and regional security, these countries are generally optimistic about the potential benefits of closer cooperation with China and Russia.
What seems to be the possible scenarios for the new geopoliticical world order?
The possible outlook of the world's geopolitics is likely to be shaped by the rise of China and Russia as new multipolar world powers. This is a significant shift from the previous era, which was dominated by the United States and its allies.
One potential outcome of this shift is an increased focus on regionalism, as countries look to build closer ties with their neighbors and regional partners. This could lead to the emergence of new regional power blocs, as countries seek to balance against the influence of China and Russia.
For example, the United States has been seeking to strengthen its alliances in Asia and Africa, while India has been expanding its regional partnerships in South Asia.
Another possible outcome is a shift towards a more multipolar global order, where power is more evenly distributed among a number of major players. This could lead to a more complex and fragmented geopolitical landscape, with multiple overlapping spheres of influence. Countries may need to navigate a more complex web of alliances and business partnerships, and there could be increased competition and tension between major powers.
The outlook for the world's geopolitics is likely to be shaped by a number of complex and dynamic factors, including the rise of new multipolar powers, changing economic and technological trends, and evolving regional dynamics. As these trends continue to unfold, it will be important for countries to remain observant and adaptive, and to work together to promote stability and cooperation in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
What other changes might occur considering the new geopolitics of the world today?
The world as we knew it and its aging geopolitics are likely to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years due to various factors, including the rise of China and Russia as new multipolar powers, the rapid expansion of NATO, The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and with the intensified interference of Europe, and the U.S., in regional matters of other nations around the world. Here are some potential implications:
Increased regionalism: As countries seek to build closer ties with their neighbors and regional partners, we could see the emergence of new regional power coalitions. For example, China has been promoting its Belt and Road Initiative to increase its influence in Eurasia and Africa, while India has been expanding its alliances in South Asia. This could lead to increased competition and tension between regional powers, as well as greater fragmentation of the global order.
Multipolar global order: With the rise of China and Russia, the global order has become multipolar, with power being evenly distributed among several major players. This could lead to a more complicated world order for some countries but a level-playing geopolitical landscape for others, with multiple overlapping spheres of influence. For example, the United States is seeking to strengthen its alliances in Asia to balance against China's growing influence, while Russia is building closer ties with countries in Europe and the Middle East.
Economic and technological trends: The global economy is becoming more integrated and interconnected, with new technologies driving innovation and growth. However, this could also lead to greater inequality and instability, as countries struggle to keep up with quick changes in the global economy. For example, the growth of automation and artificial intelligence could lead to work-related losses and economic disruption in many countries.
Evolving regional dynamics: The balance of power in various regions of the world is shifting, with new alliances and partnerships emerging. For instance, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are seeking to build closer ties with India to balance against Iran's growing influence in the region. Similarly, countries in Southeast Asia are forming new partnerships to counter China's growing presence in the South China Sea.
The outlook is complex and dynamic, with geopolitical tensions and many potential outcomes and implications. As the world becomes more multipolar and interconnected, it will be consequential for countries to work together to promote stability, cooperation, and mutual understanding. This will require effective diplomacy, dialogue, and compromise, as well as a commitment to shared values and principles of promoting dialog and peace.
| Imran Siddiqui is the managing editor at Justice News and the author of The JBlog. Imran's podcast FairPlay Challenging Wrongful Convictions airs on J107Justice Radio
