In April 1996, after over half a century of border disputes and deep-seated hostility, Russia and China entered into a “strategic partnership.” The emergence of a Russia-China relationship will significantly affect international relations in a region already experiencing economic instability and political uncertainty.
Based on the findings of a Study Group made up of American, Russian, and Chinese scholars, Limited Partnership explores the issues that will cement the budding relationship, including demilitarization, trade, and a shared view of regional and global issues. It also discusses future challenges to strategic cooperation, such as the disparity in the economic growth of the two countries, Chinese migration, political instability in the Russian Far East, and diverging interests in East and Central Asia. After setting out various forms that the Russia-China relationship might take, the report examines the likely impact of these scenarios and offers recommendations for U.S. policy.