A Russian Understanding of China's SCO Policy

Abstract

There are three schools of thought among Russian scholars on China and its SCO policy. The first group, referred to as Optimists or Enthusiasts, think that the world needs a strong Russia as a stabilising factor in international affairs. The second group, referred to as Alarmists, assert that there is growing discord between a weak Russia and a fast growing China and that conflict between them is inevitable. Emphasising that China is stronger than Russia for the first time in two centuries, they argue that China's SCO policy is designed to buy time and strengthen itself with Russian assistance within the organisation till it becomes a super power. The third group, referred to as Realists are of the view that China is both a prospective partner and a potential adversary for Russia, and that this should be taken into account while shaping Moscow's SCO policy as well as in judging China's SCO policy.