If international politics is all about permanent national interests and not permanent friendship or enmity, Sino-Russian relations is probably the best example of this. The two countries that were archrivals during much of the Cold War and were indeed on the brink of a major war in 1969 involving nuclear weapons, have become good friends. Their bilateral relationship, as it has evolved in the last 15 years, has demystified the traditional judgment among international relations experts that great powers cannot coexist as good neighbours. China and Russia have engaged themselves in a fruitful partnership in political, strategic and economic areas. President Hu Jintao's three day visit to Russia from 26-28 March 2007 was intended to consolidate the gains in bilateral relations over the years.

Prior to his departure, Hu made a four-point proposal to promote bilateral ties: increase mutual trust and support on national core interests; expand cooperation in economy, trade, energy, science and technology; further strengthen cultural cooperation; and finally, promote strategic coordination in international and regional affairs. His visit was primarily aimed at pursuing these objectives apart from attending the opening ceremony of the 'Year of China' in Russia, a reciprocal event to the 'Year of Russia' held in China last year. The Year of China in Russia will stage some 200 activities on politics, economy, science, technology and culture.

The visit also saw 21 new contracts and agreements worth US$4.3 billion that will boost the bilateral trade pegged currently at US$33 billion. The two countries have decided to raise the volume of bilateral trade to US$60-US$80 billion by 2010. For this, they have deiced to create a Sino-Russian chamber of machinery and equipment trade that will provide an effective springboard for bilateral trade in machinery and equipment. Both sides also decided to speed up key projects in the fields of space, nuclear energy and other energy resources, new materials, chemical engineering, bio-technology, communications and information technology and promote cooperation in the transformation of scientific achievements.

Beyond these functional elements, it is the strategic understanding on key issues between the two countries that assumes importance. On many issues of global significance such as North Korea, Iran and arms race in outer space, the positions of Russia and China either coincide or are similar. Eager to deter US poaching of Central Asian republics, Hu and his counterpart Putin pledged to "strengthen cooperation with Central Asian countries in the political, trade and economic spheres, as well as in security issues."

Hu's visit once again confirmed that Russia and China would continue to speak the same language in international relations. The balance of power considerations, in particular, the apathy towards US hegemony, is the most important factor that has brought them together. Both countries are still undergoing a power transition process. Mutual support is a shield against American pressure tactics. The two countries are making all attempts to balance US influence in the Asia-Pacific region and in their vicinity. Witness for example, the Sino-Russian enthusiasm in pulling India into a trilateral cooperative arrangement or the cooption of regional powers as observers in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Both countries see their future influence more secure in a multipolar world order rather than one of US unipolar domination.

It is, however, doubtful if this strategic understanding can continue for long. In the past, a tussle for leadership between the two led to a rift between them and loose alliances with the US. History may repeat itself if the great power ambitions of either nation come to the fore again. Moreover, the premises of Sino-Russian relations are still new and shaky. While state-led relations have improved considerably, societal relations between the two sides are still pregnant with mutual doubts and suspicions. While Russia is the largest supplier of arms to China, it is still loath to supply the latest military technology or weapons, an arrangement with which China is not happy. Similarly, China's energy hunger has not got commensurate supplies from Russia.

The real challenge before the leadership of the two countries is to prevent the relationship from being derailed. It is open to debate whether China needs Russia more or vice versa. Perhaps both need each other to overcome their mutual deficiencies and ensure a smooth transition to a multipolar world order. Hu Jintao's visit, therefore, was part of the Chinese attempts to create a sound edifice for bilateral relations with Russia. Both countries realize that it is in their mutual interest to continue the present momentum of comprehensive relations. All attempts at expanding the economic, scientific, military or societal relations between the two countries must be seen from this perspective. Unless they consolidate their relations on a sound footing, the one-time communist allies of the Cold War period could once again turn to rivalry and mutual suspicion.

Note: The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect those of the Government.