New strategic diplomatic relations between China and Russia: a model for Great Powers

The article is devoted to the analysis of the development of strategic relations between China and Russia, with an emphasis on the analysis of key documents and statements made by the heads of the two countries in the period from 1996 to 2025. It examines the evolution of the partnership between China and Russia, which has gone from the initial formation of the concept of "strategic" to the current "golden age" of "inclusiveness", when both countries established a cooperation in a complex and changing international context. These new interstate relations play a key role in responding to challenges in world politics, promoting economic cooperation, and ensuring global and regional security. The article emphasizes that Russian-Chinese relations have evolved from pragmatic cooperation in the economic sphere to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including coordination in the international arena. The theoretical basis is the relational theory of world politics by Qin Yaqing. The author also uses an interdisciplinary approach based on the methods of structural realism, historical-comparative and problem-chronological analysis. China and Russia view each other as priority partners, as evidenced by the growth of bilateral trade and joint efforts to create a new international order based on the principles of multipolarity and mutual respect. The paper identifies three key periods of development of Russian-Chinese cooperation: the initial stage (1996-2006), the phase of rapid growth (2006-2016) and the modern "golden period" of comprehensive partnership (2016–present). This study will provide a new perspective on the role of China and Russia in modern international relations. The article concludes that Russian-Chinese relations represent a unique model of cooperation between great powers based on equality, trust and mutual benefit. In the future, the author predicts further strengthening of cooperation in the political, economic and military spheres, as well as increased coordination within international organizations such as the United Nations, BRICS and SCO.

China, Russia, strategic partnership, diplomacy, great powers, cooperation, trade relations, SOC, BRICS, UN