The development potential of modern Sino-Russian political and economic relations

The article represents an assessment of the prospects of Sino-Russian relations in the political and economic spheres under conditions characterized by an evident increase in cooperation, especially in the framework of new and existing trade and investment projects. Russia had started to turn its geopolitical orientation toward fast developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China predominantly, even before the present freezing of relations with the West. But in the new international situation the Sino-Russian relations have got a new impulse. However, the analysis of official foreign-policy documents adopted in the period preceding the introduction of Western sanctions showed that Russia's approach towards China is confusing. The chosen format of interstate relations is informal multilateral initiative distinguished by minimum obligations of the parties toward each other, and seems to be inefficient. The authors believe that the Russian Federation should try to extend its productive interaction with China achieved in the political sphere for strengthening business relationships overcoming negative public opinion about the disadvantages of relations with the strong neighbor which can threaten the financial and economic independence of Russia.