The Chinese and Russians have preferred to talk about their "special relationship", "friendship", "historical ties" and "strategic partnership". Until today, that is. People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the government of China splashed this headline:
China, Russia 'semi-alliance' to launch drills in S. China Sea
"Semi", but nonetheless, an alliance. Out of curiosity, I searched "China-Russia alliance" in Chinese on the People's Daily website and was surprised to see that it has been used sparingly, starting in November, 2015. "Semi" was not used, but "new" was, as in "new Sino-Russian alliance". This in spite of the fact that Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, as well as their Foreign Ministries, have both publicly stated that their countries' relationship is not an alliance, but something else.
But clearly, the semantic Rubicon has been crossed. Geopolitically and diplomatically, this is huge, "semi" or not.
I always say to my students that "words are powerful things". This week's headlines confirm that in spades. Please officially welcome the Sino-Russian alliance onto the world stage. WOW!
Check out Jeff's newest book release:
China Rising, the e-book, available around the world, in all formats, also available on Amazon
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter