Axis of Convenience: Moscow, Beijing, and the New Geopolitics

by Bobo Lo

" Few relationships have been as misunderstood as the ""strategic partnership"" between Russia and China. Official rhetoric portrays it as the very model of international Moscow and Beijing claim that ties are closer and warmer than at any time in history. In reality, however, the picture is highly ambiguous. While both sides are committed to multifaceted engagement, cooperation is complicated by historical suspicions, cultural prejudices, geopolitical rivalries, and competing priorities. For Russia, China is at once the focus of a genuine convergence of interests and the greatest long-term threat to its national security. For China, Russia is a key supplier of energy and weapons, but is frequently dismissed as a self-important power whose rhetoric far outstrips its real influence. A xis of Convenience c uts through the mythmaking and examines the Sino-Russian partnership on its own merits. It steers between the overblown interpretation of an anti-Western (particularly, anti-American) alliance and the complacent assumption that past animosities and competing agendas must always divide the two nations. Their relationship reflects a new geopolitics, one that eschews formal alliances in favor of more flexible and opportunistic arrangements. Ultimately, it is an axis of convenience driven by cold-eyed perceptions of the national interest. In evaluating the current state and future prospects of the relationship, Bobo Lo assesses its impact on the evolving strategic environments in Central and East Asia. He also analyzes the global implications of rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing, focusing in particular on the geopolitics of energy and Russia-China-U.S. triangularism. "

Genres: Russia

277 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Axis of Convenience provides an interesting look at the political strategy of Russia and China in relation to the Far East and central Asia. Bobo Lo considers the modern Russian approach to a multivector strategy that focuses on Europe but also uses areas like the Middle East and China as part of its strategic considerations. While China is a quickly rising power it is still primarily a regional power that seeks influence in the Pacific Rim and Central Asia. Lo considers the rapprochement between China and Russia to be a factor of geopolitical convenience that was necessitated by the decline of the Soviet Empire and the attempt to keep the United States out of Central Asia, or at minimum limit its presence, in a post 9-11 world. Russia's main lever of power against China is not military, as they are outnumbered and not up to the level of technology, but economic related to its oil and gas fields. The specter of a energy hungry China has helped Russia maintain higher prices in Europe and allows for the rising of gas and oil prices against its former vassals in Central Asia. Russia's growing domestic demand is likely to sap more of that oil than the amount going to China but it is a consideration that Russia has utilized very well.

The bottom line of the various strategic partnerships that have been reached by Moscow and Beijing is that they are more talk than substance. While substantial progress has been made when one starts from essentially zero it is easy to make progress. The future is uncertain with where this relationship will go although it appears to be on a good track for gentile cooperation especially if the United States tries to remain in Central Asia. For those looking to understand the power dynamic between Russia and China this is a great book to start with.