Putin surprises Xi

Putin surprises Xi

Dr. Jassim Taqui

During his visit to Beijing, the Russian President Vladimir Putin surprised his Chines counterpart Xi Jinping by deciding to substantially elevate the bilateral relations from  “ strategic cooperation” to “Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Collaboration.”  In effect, this means that the relations would not be only confined to political and strategic fields but would include all fields including  transfer of advanced scientific and military technology.

This would revolutionized the bilateral relations and contribute to massive military and technological advancement of China, giving Beijing an edge over India and all countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Most importantly, this transformation would substantially benefit the Chinese Air Force and the nuclear-capable  ballistic missile system and anti-missile system, which Moscow has perfected.

Earlier, Russia was very selective in the transfer of military technology to China fearing that Beijing would overtake Moscow in world dominance.

Ostensibly, Putin has been able to build a much needed policy of mutual trust. Additionally, this transformation in Russian-Chinese relations is seen as an answer to the latest US-Indian Strategic relations and Washington’s proclaimed policy of making India a regional Superpower with an eye to check the military and economic rise of China.

Furthermore, Putin and Xi are expanding SCO and further activating BRICS to nullify any military and economic superiority of India.  

Thus playing the India and Iran cards is costing the Obama administration dearly.