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Plenty of interesting observations about Moscow's attitude toward's Xi's signature Belt and Road Initiative in the contribution of @AlexGabuev. Some snippets. /1 carnegietsinghua.org/2019/04/08/bel…
„The connectivity dimension of the BRI, which seeks to improve land-based transportation links between the EU and China, is naturally aligned with Moscow’s desire to unlock its transit potential in Eurasia.“ /2
„Moscow’s main objective ... is to use the BRI and other Chinese-originated projects to help develop Russia’s economy, without inviting Beijing to exercise undue influence on Moscow’s policies. So far the Russians have concluded that ... the the risks involved are manageable.“ /3
Russia „is using BRI-related Chinese financial institutions to go round Western sanctions and attract investment to key projects“ /4
"The idea is to avoid a clash of interests with Beijing in the former Soviet republics. Essentially, as China expands economically in Central Asia, it would not challenge Russia’s preeminent position in the military-security domain.“ /5
"Moscow’s confrontation with Washington and its estrangement from the EU will last many years. During that period, China will be the major economic and strategic partner for Russia. The Kremlin, however, does not want to be solely reliant on China.“ /6
