Russia's pivot toward China is taking its time to materialize, at least when it comes to natural gas. But two events last week — President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, and the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian Pacific port city of Vladivostok — seem designed to show that both sides are eager for it to happen. As relations with the West deteriorate over the crisis in Ukraine, and the US continues to expand sanctions on Russia — most recently targeting projects designed to supply Asia — Moscow is increasingly anxious to foster closer ties with Beijing. China appears to be reciprocating, judging by the warm welcome afforded Putin when he went to Beijing for celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War n, with the two UN Security Council heavyweights seeking to counter Western powers' dominance of the international arena.
展开▼
