China-Russia Security Relations: Strategic Parallelism Without Partnership or Passion; Monograph

摘要

Chinese-Russian security relations directly concern many subjects of interest to the Strategic Studies Institute. These areas include regional conflicts, nonproliferation issues, and military force balances. Given the importance of these two countries in international affairs, however, almost any foreign policy action of their governments affects some American national interest. For almost 2 decades, China and Russia have been strengthening their security ties. Nonetheless, as this monograph makes clear, the relationship between Beijing and Moscow remains in flux. In some cases, they share overlapping interests. In other instances, they compete for power and wealth, particularly for oil and gas resources. Many factors will affect Sino-Russian ties, including developments within China and Russia as well as external events. As part of this mix, American policies also will have some impact on the future foreign behavior of both countries. Although Washington should attempt to develop good security relations with both countries, American policy makers must also prepare to respond effectively should relations between these two great powers evolve in ways that threaten core American values and interests. This monograph suggests some policy proposals to that effect.