Relations between Russia and China have great potential and
broad prospects for development, a leading Russian expert of
political science said on Wednesday.
"Russia will re-emerge on the world stage with a new look, which
will have positive influence on the development of Russian-Chinese
ties that are already at their best in history," Viacheslav Nikonov
told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
Nikonov, president of the Policy Foundation, attributed the
close cooperation between Russia and China in the energy sector and
similar stances on nearly all political issues, to the growth of
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which both China and
Russia are members.
Russia and China take their own independent stand on world
affairs and play as major forces in a multipolar world, Nikonov
said.
The rise of the two nations will pose no threat to each other's
interests, he said, adding it will instead promote their strategic
partnership of coordination and interaction, protect their
interests and safeguard stability in Asia and the larger world.
Speaking on Russia's political structure, which is due to be
changed after the presidential election in March, Nikonov said it
is expected to be dominated by incumbent President Vladimir Putin,
who has agreed to take the post of prime minister after stepping
down, and his possible successor Dmitry Medvedev.
"Such a structure, which will be unprecedented in Russian
history, will bring about continued economic growth, maintain
policy continuity and help Russia grow into a greater world power,"
he said.
(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2008)
