The present international order has shifted away from its traditional representation of being divided into distinct power groups which would counter each other on every sphere. It has moved towards an evolving multipolar system with interdependent power centers. Today the international sphere is not only undergoing a power transition between China and the USA but also between rising China and waning Russia. While the Sino-Russian bilateral relations has undergone substantial transformation from being “the worst security nightmare” into an alliance based on “common strategic vision”, there is much apprehension amongst foreign policy analysts as to whether the relationship would be able to stand the test of time? This paper seeks to analyze whether the “good years” in the Sino-Russian ties have ended? What are the looming challenges in this newfound bonhomie that leads one to believe that China and Russia are “friends with benefits” rather than “all-weather friends”?
Power Transition Ukraine Crisis Arctic Issue Far East Energy
