Is The Moscow-Beijing Alliance The Most Important In The World?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. © RIA Novosti. Sergei Guneev

TASS: Chinese envoy calls Moscow-Beijing ties most important in the world

They are a classic example of the healthiest and most mature interstate relations, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui said

MOSCOW, December 13. /TASS/. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui believes relations between Moscow and Beijing are the most important in the world.

"The Chinese-Russian relations of comprehensive strategic cooperation and partnership are the most important bilateral relations in the world, and, moreover, the best relations between big countries," he told reporters on Wednesday at a TASS news conference dedicated to the results of the 19th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

"One can say that they are a classic example of the healthiest and most mature interstate relations and an important force to protect peace and stability throughout the world," the diplomat added.

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Update #1: China Snubs Trump, Says Russia Ties Best and Most Important in World -- Newsweek
Update #2: China snubs Trump, says Russia ties best and most important in world -- Vestnik Kavkaza

WNU Editor: As bilateral relations go, it is definitely one of the most important ties in the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Issue A Joint Communique On North Korea

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin visit an exhibition of the cultural heritage of China in Xiamen, China September 3, 2017. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS

Reuters: Xi, Putin agree to 'appropriately deal' with N.Korea nuclear test: Xinhua

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Sunday to “appropriately deal with” the latest nuclear test by North Korea, state news agency Xinhua said.

“The two leaders agreed to stick to the goal of denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula and keep close communication and coordination to deal with the new situation,” Xinhua said in a brief dispatch.

The two were meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the BRICS group of nations in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

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WNU Editor: This is the first time that I am reading a statement from the leaders of both China and Russia acknowledging that they have a problem with North Korea. Now the question that needs to be answered is .... what are they going to do next?

More News On Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin's Statement On North Korea's Nuclear Test

Xi, Putin agree to appropriately deal with DPRK's nuclear test -- Xinhua
Putin, Xi Agree to React in 'Relevant Manner' to North Korea's Nuclear Test -- Sputnik
Putin & Xi agree to ‘appropriately deal’ with N. Korea test, urge all sides 'to show restraint' -- RT
Putin Has No Plans to Hold Talks With Kim Jong Un Amid North Korea's Nuke Test -- Sputnik

Chinese President Xi And Russian President Putin Holding Talks In Moscow

ABC News Online: North Korea: Russia, China agree to joint approach to tensions, slam US over THAAD

Russia and China have agreed a joint position on North Korea designed to defuse tensions around its missile programme and both want Washington to halt deployment of a missile shield in South Korea, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Moscow and Beijing had agreed on the need for a simultaneous freezing of North Korea's missile and nuclear programme and large-scale military exercises by the United States and South Korea, the ministry said in a statement.

The statement was released after President Vladimir Putin held talks with visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Kremlin.

Earlier, Chinese spokesman Geng Shuang had said UN Security Council resolutions had clear rules on North Korea's missile launches and China opposed it going against those rules.

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WNU Editor: Both China and Russia sound very confident that they can rein in North Korea's missile/nuclear program if the U.S and South Korea agree to their terms. OK .... but the problem with the Chinese-Russian proposal is that they have not been successful in the past to rein in North Korea, so how can they guarantee it now. Bottom line .... they cannot .... and that is why their proposal will not work.

More News On Chinese President Xi And Russian President Putin Holding Talks In Moscow

Russia, China: N. Korea must freeze nuclear activities, US halt THAAD deployment -- RT
Russia, China urge world community to support their joint initiative on Korean Peninsula -- TASS
China’s Xi Jinping in Russia for talks with Vladimir Putin -- USA Today/AP
Putin Welcomes China's Xi At Kremlin Ahead Of Talks -- RFE
Putin enthuses about China trade with Xi -- News.com.au
Putin presents Chinese president with Russia’s highest state award -- TASS
Xi-Putin summit targets stronger strategic dialogue -- Andrew Hammond, Special to Gulf News

Russia And China Wants The U.S. To Join Them To Split Up The World

© Photo: pixabay

Sputnik: Lavrov Calls for Russia, China, US Developing Ties Together

Moscow supports building open and honest relations between the United States, China and Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Lavrov called for creating such a "triangle," adding that it would not be directed against any state.

"We would like to see Russia, the US and China to develop relations together. This triangle should not be closed and directed to projects that will alert other states," Lavrov told lower house of parliament lawmakers.

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Update #1: Russian top diplomat confident Moscow, Washington, Beijing will build fair relations -- TASS
Update #2: China Voices Wish to Cooperate With Russia, US on Solving Global Issues -- Sputnik
Update #3: China backs idea of deepening cooperation with Russia, US -- TASS

WNU Editor: Welcome to the new world order.

Russian President Putin Is In China

Radio Free Europe: Putin's Pivot East Meets Tepid Chinese Enthusiasm

Vladimir Putin has invested a lot of energy trying to pivot eastward to China to counterbalance Western economic sanctions over Ukraine.

But when the Russian president visits Beijing on June 25, he is likely to find little enthusiasm on the Chinese side, partly due to China 's diminishing appetite for Russian natural gas amid its own economic slowdown.

Putin 's talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will be the latest in a string of meetings that have seen the two leaders confer directly or on the sidelines of summits as often as five times a year recently. The frequency has fueled an impression that they are forging ever-closer relations based upon a mutual interest in energy, trade, and a desire to counter perceived U.S. global domination.

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WNU Editor: This is a very short visit. As to why the visit .... it is being done on the invitation of the Chinese President. As to what is expected to come out from these talks ....  to put it bluntly .... I do not see anything substantial coming out from this get-together.

More News On Russian President Putin's State Visit To China

Putin In Beijing For Official Visit With Chinese Leaders -- RFE
Russia, China to Expand Transactions in National Currencies - Putin -- Sputnik
Putin, Xi Jinping to discuss large-scale bilateral projects, international affairs -- TASS
Putin Praises 'All-Embracing' Partnership of Russia, China -- AP
Pivoting Eurasia: Putin Makes Russia-China Relationship a High Priority -- Sputnik
Russian, Chinese Presidents Discuss Syria, Efforts to Combat Int'l Terror -- Sputnik
Crossover: Putin pays one-day state visit to China -- CCTV

Growing Strategic Russia - China Alliance As Putin Prepares To Visit China

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. © Sergey Guneev / Sputnik

TASS: Putin considers Russia-China interaction important factor of global stability

Putin mentioned joint work in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, cooperation within BRICS and collaboration at the UN

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Cooperation of Moscow and Beijing in global affairs is an important element of global stability, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with China’s Xinhua news agency shortly before his visit to China on June 24-25.

"Today the very fact that China and Russia collaborate in international affairs contributes to the stability of world affairs," Putin said. "Apart from our joint work in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we cooperate within BRICS, which in fact was jointly established by us, and we actively collaborate at the UN."

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WNU Editor: Russian President Putin is going to China on an official request to come visit the country by Chinese President Xi. Both countries need each other .... Russia to diversify its economy, China to build-up its international alliances. This is also a sign of (1) the growing political-economic ties between China and Russia, and (2) a message to the rest of the world that an old but rejuvenated alliance is back in business.

More News On Russia President Putin's Official State Visit To China Tomorrow

‘Our views are either similar or coincide’: Putin on comprehensive strategic China-Russia alliance -- RT
Putin confident in Russia-China all-round cooperation -- Xinhua
China Looks to Strengthen Cooperation with Russia -- CRI English
Energy, aerospace on agenda of Putin's trip to China: Kremlin -- Reuters
China building energy ties to Russia, Putin says -- UPI
Russia developing aircraft engine for joint passenger jet with China -- RT
Russia, China Set to Sign Deals on Joint Aircraft Development -- Sputnik
Russia, China to Sign Intellectual Property Deal on Rocket Tech - Rogozin -- Sputnik
Russia, China to sign deal paving way to rocket engine contract — deputy PM -- TASS
Putin: Russia, China to Step Up Nuclear Energy Cooperation -- Sputnik
China, Russia expected to sign multibillion dollar high-speed rail deal during Putin’s visit to Beijing -- South China Morning Post
About 30 deals to be signed during Putin’s visit to China — diplomat -- TASS
CEOs of nearly all Russian majors to take part in Putin's visit to China — Kremlin -- TASS
Putin’s Upcoming Visit to China About More Than Just Economy -- Sputnik
What Is Putin Up To in China? -- Newsweek

Will RussiaAand China Become Strong Allies?

Jacob Shapiro, Geopolitical Futures: Will Russia and China Become Allies?

Summary: The idea that Russia and China are going to become close allies fails to account for the constraints and geopolitical imperatives of both countries. Neither can be content in a situation where the U.S. has untrammeled power in the world. But that does not change the geography that makes the interests of Beijing and Moscow so different. In this case, the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily my friend.

The United States is the world's dominant power, and is without peer. But Russia and China are arguably the next two most significant world powers on the list. Russia's economy may be in shambles, and it is in the process of updating its military and rearming for 21st century conflict - but even so, Moscow boasts a formidable arsenal of nuclear weapons and just demonstrated in Syria how effective a limited deployment of Russian troops can be. China now has the second largest GDP in the world, and convulsions in the Chinese economy have global ramifications, as the crisis of the exporters has demonstrated.

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WNU Editor: I have always believed that what binds two countries together in a firm alliance is more than just political, military, or economic considerations .... what is the important ingredient is cultural. On this issue .... there is little in Chinese culture that Russians can relate to .... and there is very little in Russian culture that appeals to the Chinese. I lived and worked in China for a number of years .... and while I adapted myself to their culture very quickly, I found that many of my Russian colleagues did not and/or could not. As I was told numerous times .... my colleagues just did not feel comfortable living, eating, talking, debating, etc., with their Chinese counterparts .... and many times I could tell that the feelings were mutual from the Chinese side. I was lucky .... and admittedly an oddball from my peers .... I loved being in China, and the Chinese responded in kind. Even today .... my best contacts outside of Russia are in China, and these friendships are just as solid as family.

As to the question .... will China and Russia become allies? .... my answer is no. There will be  cooperation, agreements, and shared interests on political, economic, and military issues .... but no unconditional friendship or support.

Was Yesterday's China - U.S. Summit A Success?

Bloomberg: Scoring Obama and Xi: Big Goals But Not Much Agreement

President Barack Obama welcomed Chinese president Xi Jinping to the White House Friday for what Obama described as "candid conversations" spanning controversial topics from cybersecurity to human rights and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Xi said the conversations were “constructive and productive” and that the Chinese were eager to engage in “win-win cooperation” with the U.S.

So, how’d they do? Here’s a scorecard on what the two leaders agreed to, and where they appear to remain divided:

WNU Editor: The Chinese President went to Washington to maintain the status quo. Keep the trade deficit in China's favour, give his A-OK and support for Chinese business efforts to form strategic partnership with America's jet builders, tell America's internet tech companies that if they want to do business with China they must follow Chinese rules, placate the U.S. green lobby in promising to establish a cap-and-trade program (which in China I know will only be used by the elites to enrich themselves), make vague assurances that China's maritime border disputes with its neighbours will be resolved, ignore discussions on North Korea, ignore discussions on human rights, and .... promise President Obama that he will do something about cyber attacks and espionage. As for the U.S. media's attention to this state visit .... they were more focused on the bigger story which was this .... Michelle Obama Steals Show at State Dinner With Vera Wang Dress (Slate).

The Growing Russia - China Alliance

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin attended the opening ceremony of the "Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia" at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, March 22, 2013. Reuters

IBTimes: China-Russia To Boost Military Technical Training Cooperation But Should Not Be Seen As A Coalition

China has plans to build stronger military ties through developing armed forces-technical training cooperation with Russia to boost geopolitical relations. Beijing insists that cooperation between the world’s second- and third-most powerful militaries should not be considered a threat to any third party.

“China hopes to develop an all-around and broad cooperation with Russia, including in military-technical cooperation, to gradually strengthen practical cooperation of the two states [as well as strengthen] friendly exchanges between the peoples of our countries,” Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui told RIA Novosti, Russia’s state-owned news agency, in an interview.

WNU Editor: Talk about a Russia - China coalition has been around for decades .... so this speculation is nothing new. But it is true that both countries are now cooperating economically, and that diplomatic/political relations are now at levels that I have never seen (with the exception of when I was stationed there in the 1980s).

:)

Russia And China Grow Even More Closer

Matt Schiavenza, The Atlantic: China and Russia Grow Even Closer

Xi Jinping’s appearance at Vladimir Putin’s side at the Victory Parade in Moscow signifies a deepened relationship based on a common adversary: the United States.

On Saturday, Russia staged a grand celebration in Moscow to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the country’s defeat Nazi Germany in World War Two. The occasion—which featured a military procession through Red Square—did not include the leaders of the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, who declined to attend out of protest of Russia’s interference in Ukraine. But of the 30 or so world leaders who did arrive, only one had the privilege of sitting beside Russian leader Vladimir Putin: Chinese president Xi Jinping.

As Russia’s relationship with the United States and its European allies grows worse, its ties to China have never been closer. On the eve of the parade last Friday, the two countries announced 32 separate bilateral agreements, including a non-aggression pledge in cyber warfare. The deals complement a $400 billion deal made last May, when Russia agreed to ship 38 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year between 2018 and 2048 to China. And next week, Russian and Chinese naval vessels will conduct live drills in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

More News On The Growing Russia - China Ties

China and Russia Strengthen Alliance -- Washington Free Beacon
China Voices Need to Restructure World Order - Russian Defense Ministry -- Sputnik
China, Russia vow to promote military ties -- Xinhua
No Strings Attached: Russia, China Forge Ties Yet No Military Alliance -- Spuntik
Xi and Putin—a Camaraderie of Convenience -- Andrew Browne, WSJ
The Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon Are Standing Together against America -- Tom Rogan, NRO
Russia’s partnership with China: An alliance of necessity -- Asia Times editorial
China and Russia Deepen Ties; A Signal To The U.S.? -- Althea Serad, China Topix

Russian-Chinese Naval War Games Begin In The Mediterranean

© Sputnik/ Vasiliy Batanov

Sputnik: Russian-Chinese Drill in Mediterranean Sends Signal to US – Western Media

The Russian and Chinese navies began joint naval exercises in the Mediterranean Monday in the latest sign of strengthening ties between the two countries.

The naval drill, to include live-fire exercises in the strategic sea connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East, is seen by Western media as a signal being sent to Washington of a powerful new alliance emerging “in the very backyard of Western Europe”.

“While only two Chinese warships are joining the Mediterranean exercises, their deployment reflects China’s desire to help Russia counter American power”, the New York-based National Preview magazine wrote in a comment.

More News On Russian-Chinese Naval War Games Beginning In The Mediterranean

First Russia-China naval war games underway in Mediterranean -- L.A. Times
Russia, China launch navy drills in Mediterranean -- Business Standard
China-Russia Joint Naval Drill Launches in Russian Port City -- CRIEnglish
China, Russia launch joint naval drills -- Xinhuanet
China-Russia drills in Med show shifting strategies -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC

Is This The New World Order?

© Sputnik/ Michael Klimentyev

The Telegraph: A new world order? Putin and Xi put friendship on display

Echoes of the past as Moscow's Victory Day parade stirs memories of a previous anti-American alliance

At first sight, things look very different now. When President Xi Jinping of China took pride of place next to Vladimir Putin of Russia on Saturday, they looked like any other modern world leaders: pragmatic men-in-suits, full of smiles, temporary possessors of power rather than dictators-for-life.

Back in 1949, when Chairman Mao Tse-tung paid his first visit to Moscow to celebrate Comrade Joseph Stalin's 70th Birthday, it was a paean of old-school Communism.

Children in Young Pioneer uniforms paraded through the Bolshoi Opera House telling of their ambition to become tractor drivers. Mao wore a "Mao suit" and Stalin military uniform. Both men looked grumpy.

WNU Editor: As a Russia - China watcher for the past 30 years .... I can honestly say that I have never the relations between the two countries this close. In the past the relationship was based on mutual ideological/political philosophies .... today it is based on economic and national security issues. Will this last .... my prediction is that it will easily last into the next century.

More News On The Growing Russia - China Relationship

As Russia Remembers War in Europe, Guest of Honor Is From China -- NYT
Xi marks shared victory with Putin at Moscow V-Day parade -- Want China Times
Xi attends Russia's V-Day parade, marking shared victory with Putin -- Xinhuanet
Russia, China sign infrastructure deals worth billions -- Washington Times
Xi and Putin vow to uphold legacy of WWII victory -- Want China Times
'A Joint Economic Space on the Continent': Putin Meets China's Xi -- Sputnik
Putin and Xi: not quite the allies they seem -- Financial Times
At Russia's Military Parade, Putin and Xi Cement Ties -- The Diplomat
Xi stands with Putin on 'Victory Day.' Can Russia play a China card? -- Peter Ford, CSM
Brothers again? How deep is the Xi-Putin bromance? -- Carrie Gracie, BBC

Chinese - Russian Navies To Hold First Joint Mediterranean Exercise

Russian destroyers at a port in Shanghai during the China-Russia joint military exercises held last year, May 18, 2014. (File photo/ Xinhua)

Voice of America/Reuters: China, Russia to Hold First Joint Mediterranean Naval Drills

BEIJING - China will hold joint naval drills with Russia in mid-May in the Mediterranean Sea, the first time the two countries will hold military exercises together in that part of the world, the Chinese Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

China and Russia have held naval drills in Pacific waters since 2012. The May maneuvers come as the United States ramps up military cooperation with its allies in Asia in response to China's increasingly assertive pursuit of maritime territorial claims.

A total of nine ships from the two countries will participate, including vessels China now has on anti-piracy patrols in waters off Somalia, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Geng Yansheng told a monthly news briefing.

Update: China-Russia Navies Planning First Joint Mediterranean Maneuvers -- Epoch Times/AP

WNU Editor: This is a follow-up on their agreement from 2 weeks ago to expand their joint military exercises .... China, Russia to upgrade joint military exercises (WantChinaTimes)

China Takes Russia's Side Over A Disputed Arms Buy With Ukraine

Money Dispute With Kiev Threatens Future Chinese Arms Buys -- Washington Times

China is colluding with Russia to avoid paying $14 million to the Ukrainian government for a second Zubr-class amphibious landing hovercraft — or air-cushioned landing craft — that was delivered by Kiev to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in early March. The delivery came days before the Russian annexation of Crimea, where the vessel was built. At issue is the question of who gets the $14 million.

Since the contract was signed between China and Ukraine before Russia’s intervention in Ukraine, Beijing is obligated to pay the remaining $14 million for the delivered vessel to the government in Kiev.

But Russia vehemently opposes any Chinese payment to Kiev and insists that China pay the fund to two shipbuilding companies located in Crimea, now controlled by Moscow after the region was annexed by Russia.

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My Comment: Russia is far more important to China than Ukraine .... they are not going to upset that relationship .... and definitely not over two hovercraft and a few million dollars.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with his China's counterpart Xi Jinping (RIA Novosti/Mikhail Klimentiev)

No, Russia and China Aren’t Teaming Up Against America -- Kyle Mizokami, War Is Boring

The odd couple of totalitarian regimes is less powerful than you think.

In mid-November, Russian defense minister Sergey Shoigu flew to Beijing for high-level military talks. Shoigu was scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan to discuss “current issues of international and regional security and bilateral military and military-technical cooperation,” according to the Russian Tass news agency.

The prospect of a Russian-Chinese axis might sound scary to Westerners. But it’s not, really. Russia and China are both weaker than they appear. And they have as many reasons to compete as they do to cooperate.

And even if they do get along, the combined military power of Russia and China combined is only slightly more formidable than either country going to war separately.

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My Comment: In my opinion .... there is zero chance of a Russian - Chinese military alliance. Both countries may be in the process of expanding and modernizing their military .... but their national defense policies are focused more on their own regional/border problems and issues rather than on the West. If there will be an alliance against the West .... it will primarily on political and economic issues .... specifically on diminishing the role that Western financial institutions (WTO, IMF, World Bank, etc.) have on influencing broader global economic policies that may at times come in conflict with what China and Russia may want.

A Russia - China Political, Economic, And Military Alliance?

Russia, China Plan War Games, Arms Sales. Could Alliance Be In The Cards? -- Fred Weir, CSM

With Russia alienated by the West and China eager to buy high-end weaponry, a joint military pact – though still a long way off – looks increasingly seductive to both.

Moscow — Russia and China are planning to hold large-scale joint naval drills in the Mediterranean and Pacific next year, as deepening economic and political cooperation appear to be driving the two giants to at least discuss the idea of forming a military bloc.

Both countries are rapidly jacking up their military spending and modernizing their forces. China is set to spend an unprecedented $132 billion of defense this year. Meanwhile, Russia is in the midst of a sweeping five-year $700-billion rearmament program, and has lately begun restoring Soviet-era bomber patrols across much of the West's airspace. Russian officials say the upcoming naval drills are designed to demonstrate that Russian and Chinese fleets can operate together in bodies of water half a world apart.

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My Comment: There are differences .... culture being the biggest one. But there are economic and national security interests that are now complementing each country's long term goals and policies, and I do expect this relationship to not only grow but to prosper in the coming years.

Russia - China Vow To Strengthen Military Ties. Will Conduct Joint Naval Exercises In The Mediterranean And Pacific In 2015

China's President Xi Jinping (right) and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, attend a welcome ceremony at the Xijiao State Guest Hotel, before the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia summit in Shanghai, on May 20, 2014. Reuters/Carlos Barria

Russia And China To Conduct Joint Naval Exercises In The Mediterranean And Pacific In 2015 -- IBTimes

The navies of Russia and China have agreed to conduct naval exercises in the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean in spring 2015, according to a statement issued by the Russian navy on Wednesday. That brings two potential U.S. adversaries closer together and sees China assert its presence in a region, the Mediterranean, far from its shores in another development that marks its emergence as a serious military power.

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More News On Russia And China Vowing To Strengthen Military Ties

Russia and China Vow to Tighten Military Ties -- Moscow Times
China, Russia step up defence ties -- The Hindu
Russia and China to conduct joint naval drills next year -- Want China Times
China and Russia in naval co-operation vow -- Financial Times
Russia, China plan joint naval drills in Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean in 2015 -- Russia Beyond The Headlines
China and Russia push back against the US -- Financial Times

My Comment: Chinese naval vessels in the Mediterranean conducting military exercises .... I have to let that one sink in.

Is China Financing Russian Aggression?

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (R) and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping leave after shaking hands before the opening ceremony of the fourth Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia summit in Shanghai May 21, 2014. REUTERS/Mark Ralston/Pool

China Is Financing Putin’s Aggression -- Gordon Chang, Daily Beast

Russia’s economy is tanking, but Putin is sending long-range bombers on sorties in the Gulf of Mexico and combat troops into Ukraine—thanks to billions in new energy deals from Beijing.

President Obama may say China can be America’s “partner,” as he did Monday in Beijing, but the Chinese calculate their interests differently. The real partnership is between the Dragon and the Bear.

On Sunday in Beijing, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Russia’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom signed a contract to sell gas from western Siberia to China’s own state energy giant, China National Petroleum Corp.

The Gazprom-CNPC deal is not the only major recent Russia-China energy deal. Last October, state-owned Rosneft, Russia’s biggest oil producer, gave CNPC an equity stake in an oil field in eastern Siberia. This May, Gazprom and CNPC inked a 30-year, $400 billion gas pact, another landmark arrangement in what AFP has described as a rapidly expanding “energy alliance.”

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My Comment: Russia's sale of a percentage of it's oil industry to China was (to me) a surprise. The Russian government has extensive cash reserves, but for reasons of his own Putin wanted this cash to spend elsewhere, and China was more than willing to accommodate him. In this context .... this Chinese - Russian relationship is truly becoming a match in heaven .... China-Russia is a match made in heaven, and that’s scary (Anatole Kaletsky, Reuters).

Russia's New Military Doctrine Will Designate The U.S. And NATO As Threats Or Adversaries

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping talk as they depart the APEC Summit family photo, in Beijing November 10, 2014. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

Putin Builds China Links As Ties With West Fray -- Financial Times

When Vladimir Putin met China’s president Xi Jinping, a memorandum of understanding for a second massive gas supply deal caught most of the attention.

For the Russian president, the deal may be less appealing for its commercial benefits than its ability to advance the larger goal of cementing ties with its eastern neighbour.

According to Russian officials and security analysts, Moscow’s worst stand-off with the west since the end of the cold war has convinced Mr Putin’s government that it must moor its security interests to China because the Euro-Atlantic security architecture is broken beyond repair.

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My Comment: The imposition of sanctions. The blacklisting of Russian political and economic leaders. The deployment of anti-missile systems in eastern Europe. This .... coupled with threats of even more western actions .... was the "final straw that broke the camel's back". We are all now entering a new and (potentially) very dangerous place.

Russian President Putin Goes To China

Putin Seeks China Security Ties As Enmity With West Grows -- Financial Times

When Vladimir Putin met China’s president Xi Jinping on Sunday, a memorandum of understanding for a second massive gas supply deal caught most of the attention.

For the Russian president, the deal may be less appealing for its commercial benefits than its ability to advance a larger strategic goal of cementing ties with its eastern neighbour.

According to Russian officials and security analysts, Moscow’s worst stand-off with the west since the end of the cold war has convinced Mr Putin’s government that it must moor its security interests to China because the Euro-Atlantic security architecture is broken beyond repair.

Read more ....

More News On Russian President Putin's Visit To China

Russia, China Sign Energy Deals at APEC Summit -- VOA
Russia, China add to $400 billion gas deal with accord -- Fuel Fix
Putin, Xi Jinping sign mega gas deal on second gas supply route -- RT
Xi, Putin pledge to deepen ties -- AFP
Putin Says Russia and China Will Expand Trade in Yuan -- Moscow Times/Reuters
Smart-gift: Putin presents Chinese leader with dual-screen YotaPhone -- RT