However I am afraid I have to differ with the idea that China’s opposition to separatism can be the issue that could derail China-Russia relations. It is true that Moscow is much more prone to be openly cynic than Beijing, but Putin crushed Chechen separatism at home without mercy, and the kind of separatis…
However I am afraid I have to differ with the idea that China’s opposition to separatism can be the issue that could derail China-Russia relations. It is true that Moscow is much more prone to be openly cynic than Beijing, but Putin crushed Chechen separatism at home without mercy, and the kind of separatism that Russia supports is at the end of the day a kind of irredentism, territories considered to be Russian at the eyes of Putin. It is true that Russian media has been prone to troll the West giving coverage to separatist movements in the West – while China has preferred to use Western repression in these cases to justify its own actions at home – but Putin is not trying to enforce a Wilsonian view of self-determination that could threaten China.
Also despite China likes to keep a generally more rigid position, it has also its own deal of double standards. For example China engages with the semi-autonomous Chinese armed groups Myanmar. China has also been supportive of Pakistan's position in Kashmir. And more explicitly, the Global Times has talked in a positive manner about Ryukyu secessionism, and Chinese funds have even been supporting research in Japan about this topic. So when Chinese interests are directly affected, can be more flexible with territorial sovereignty of other states.
Most governments have a generally cynical position about separatism, and Russia is important enough for China to look to the other way. At least as long as Moscow and Beijing feel increasing pressure from the West, their best option is to get along. It is difficult that territorial reclamations that do not directly affect each other will be the reason that will break their alliance.
Fascinating essay and research.
However I am afraid I have to differ with the idea that China’s opposition to separatism can be the issue that could derail China-Russia relations. It is true that Moscow is much more prone to be openly cynic than Beijing, but Putin crushed Chechen separatism at home without mercy, and the kind of separatism that Russia supports is at the end of the day a kind of irredentism, territories considered to be Russian at the eyes of Putin. It is true that Russian media has been prone to troll the West giving coverage to separatist movements in the West – while China has preferred to use Western repression in these cases to justify its own actions at home – but Putin is not trying to enforce a Wilsonian view of self-determination that could threaten China.
Also despite China likes to keep a generally more rigid position, it has also its own deal of double standards. For example China engages with the semi-autonomous Chinese armed groups Myanmar. China has also been supportive of Pakistan's position in Kashmir. And more explicitly, the Global Times has talked in a positive manner about Ryukyu secessionism, and Chinese funds have even been supporting research in Japan about this topic. So when Chinese interests are directly affected, can be more flexible with territorial sovereignty of other states.
Most governments have a generally cynical position about separatism, and Russia is important enough for China to look to the other way. At least as long as Moscow and Beijing feel increasing pressure from the West, their best option is to get along. It is difficult that territorial reclamations that do not directly affect each other will be the reason that will break their alliance.