China-Russia ties ‘better than alliance’ and immune to US containment efforts, says adviser

The strategic partnership between China and Russia is not merely an alliance but a relationship that surpasses formal agreements, according to Wu Dahui, deputy director of the Russian Research Institute at Tsinghua University. Speaking in Hong Kong, Wu articulated that Beijing and Moscow engage in 'self-selected strategic coordination,' a flexible yet stable mechanism that allows each nation to pursue its interests effectively. This unique bond is built on a foundation of over 60,000 institutionalized communication channels, creating a robust network that spans governmental, parliamentary, civil society, and industrial sectors.

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We each take what we need.

Wu highlighted that these deep-seated 'institutionalized links' are more significant than short-term gains and are difficult for external powers, particularly the United States, to disrupt. The daily communication and extensive network ensure an inherent stability that can withstand attempts at containment. This contrasts sharply with the often transactional nature of international relations, where alliances can be fragile and easily swayed by shifting geopolitical interests. The China-Russia relationship, therefore, represents a different model of international cooperation, one that prioritizes long-term strategic alignment and mutual benefit.

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While [the relationship] is flexible and lacks formal disciplinary constraints, it possesses inherent stability and has evolved into a stable mechanism.

From a Chinese perspective, this relationship is crucial for navigating a complex global landscape and countering perceived US hegemonic ambitions. While Western media often frames China-Russia ties through the lens of opposition to the US, the Chinese view emphasizes mutual support and the creation of a more multipolar world order. The 'great triangle' of relations involving China, Russia, and the US is seen not as a zero-sum game, but as an arena where China and Russia can independently strengthen their positions through coordinated action. This strategic alignment allows both nations to pursue their national interests with greater confidence, immune to the pressures of containment.

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these institutionalised links are more significant than the lure of immediate interests and difficult to transcend