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Interview 

Ongoing processes in the Asia-Pacific region are clearly gaining global significance, while experts indicate that we may be witnessing the emergence of a new type of international relations. This interview with Pan Dawei, Director of the Center for Russian Studies at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, focused on this issue, and also touched upon the broader situation in the Asia-Pacific region, the roles played by China and Russia in the region, and the future of Russia-China relations.

Interview 

Ongoing processes in the Asia-Pacific region are clearly gaining global significance, while experts indicate that we may be witnessing the emergence of a new type of international relations. This interview with Pan Dawei, Director of the Center for Russian Studies at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, focused on this issue, and also touched upon the broader situation in the Asia-Pacific region, the roles played by China and Russia in the region, and the future of Russia-China relations.

How would you comment on the developments taking place in the Asia-Pacific region?

We are witnessing a major transformation of the world system; its focus is shifting toward the Asia-Pacific region.
Geographically, China and Russia both belong to the region, each is pursuing their own national interests. This should provide a platform for bilateral cooperation. First, China and Russia are historical neighbors with a border hundreds of miles long, and have traditionally enjoyed constructive, good-neighborly relations.

Second, just like Russia, China is in the midst of socio-economic reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable development, which does not just require the mobilization of domestic resources but also a healthy international environment.

How can China reach its goal?

China is striving to achieve harmonious relationships with all foreign partners. The Cold War is over, so issues such as weapons and ideology should be placed on the back burner.

However, there are states that implement ideology-based foreign policies, although they do so while insisting that there are no dogmatic overtones. This is not to say that ideology must be completely set aside, but it has long been time for countries to abandon these double standards, that, in any case, no longer correspond to the changing realities of international relations.

I am certain that Russia-China cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region should be built on fundamentally new foundations.

Which areas of bilateral cooperation do you see as being the most successful?

China is striving to achieve harmonious relationships with all foreign partners. The Cold War is over, so issues such as weapons and ideology should be placed on the back burner.

Currently, relations between China and Russia are on the rise, thanks to the efforts of the two national leaders. Despite differences in political systems and state ideology, the two countries have found commonalities that are based on mutual understanding and mutual respect. The most critical problems, such as demarcation of the border, have been resolved.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), an international regional structure established by China, Russia and several Central Asian countries, is another example of fruitful cooperation. At first, the international community largely ignored the SCO, but it is now attracting considerable attention from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

The 18th Congress of China’s Communist party has just elected its new leader. Should this event influence Russia-China dialogue?

Chinese policy toward Russia does not hinge on the leader’s personality; the Beijing-Moscow relationship takes into account both sides’ attitudes.

The change in leadership is a prerequisite for China’s political modernization.

China’s rise worries other countries, and that is why a good-neighborly relationship is essential for us.

Beijing poses no threat to other states, and we want everyone to be aware of this fact. Our rise should benefit other states and also enhance stability in the region. Of course, it needs time. Russia has just declared its readiness to open Siberia and the Far East for enhanced development. This seems an excellent basis for cooperation with all countries in the region, including China. Moscow’s timing appears quite good – the conditions are ripe.

Have the decisions made at APEC had any effect on the relationship between Russia and China?

Despite differences in political systems and state ideology, the two countries have found commonalities that are based on mutual understanding and mutual respect.

China and Russia have already laid solid economic and political foundations for the development of relations. I am confident that we should continue working in this direction. And there are grounds to believe that current circumstances are conducive to a boom in relations.

It goes like this: we advance political cooperation, stable political ties generate guarantees, and economic relations form the foundation.

I also believe that Russia and China should form a consolidated position toward Syria. In a matter like that, the key is not so much in mutual understanding between states as between peoples and populations.

In foreign policy, both Russia and China must heed the attitudes of the populations in the countries concerned.

As far as broader cultural cooperation is concerned, contact at all levels is vital: science, economy, culture, etc.

Student exchanges, an area in which Russia has been highly active, are particularly important. Recently, our Academy received a delegation of young scholars from the Russian Academy of Scientists. Another group is expected to arrive soon, the “brain trust,” – all invitees are respected Russian researchers. This is undoubtedly a good start, but we must expand and advance our cooperation in areas of soft power.

What we need is permanent academic exchanges. We should not confine ourselves to conferences and meetings, and instead launch joint projects that will bring both economic and foreign policy benefits.

You mentioned that domestic socio-economic development is crucial for China, and that the demographic factor is essential in this process. Do you regard the country’s population growth as a problem or as an asset?

China’s population is definitely immense. And we are devoting considerable efforts to creating “normal” living conditions. Some time ago, demographic policy was really harsh, one family – one child, as you know. And there was a lot of discontent. But with the situation improving, the approach is changing. For example, where each spouse is the only child in the family, a married couple may have two children. If the first child is handicapped or suffers from a certain illness, a second child is also allowed. However, limitations are still in force.

But the heart of the problem lies not in restricted reproduction, but rather in the need for a higher quality of life, a concept that involves various parameters and indices such as life expectancy. The Chinese government has made some significant steps in the field of social welfare. Today even foreigners enjoy the right to basic social benefits in China.

The greatest problem remains affordable housing. The government allocates funds for construction, but preference is given to citizens that fit set criteria.

Does China face any other acute problems?

Beijing poses no threat to other states, and we want everyone to be aware of this fact. Our rise should benefit other states and also enhance stability in the region.

China is a very rich country, where living standards have remained pretty low for a long time. Hence, the starting point is reform aimed at improving living standards.

Economic development engenders social problems. First comes differentiation, meaning that incomes differ among various population groups and regions, especially between central and peripheral areas.

Second, social protection is needed for social and economic stability. In terms of the economy, Beijing’s focus is on three main fields, i.e. investment, foreign trade, and domestic demand. You may know the Chinese saying "cross the river and feel the stones" which means you should learn through practice. This is exactly our situation.

For example, some time ago, the Chinese government adapted the provision of healthcare and education to a market environment, and now these sectors of the economy seem the most challenging. As a result, the government is ready to deliver greater commitment. The decision was taken to raise the budget for education to a minimum of four percent of GDP. We will also try to cut medicine prices and reform health services.

Corruption is still a problem, which is more political than social. Since the population is truly unhappy about the phenomenon, the government is driven to devote greater attention to the issue.

Interviewers:

Natalie Yevtikhevich, RIAC Program Manager,

Darya Khaspekova, RIAC Program Assistance

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Poll conducted

  1. In your opinion, what are the US long-term goals for Russia?
    U.S. wants to establish partnership relations with Russia on condition that it meets the U.S. requirements  
     33 (31%)
    U.S. wants to deter Russia’s military and political activity  
     30 (28%)
    U.S. wants to dissolve Russia  
     24 (22%)
    U.S. wants to establish alliance relations with Russia under the US conditions to rival China  
     21 (19%)
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