Analysis of, and Prospects for, Neighborhood Policy between Mainland China and Russia

Abstract

Chinese neighborhood policy lasts for a long time. Neighboring nations paid tribute to China in a tributary system in exchange for bilateral security. In 1953 the goals of mainland China’s diplomacy were formulated as ‘’Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.’’ When mainland China began reforms in 1978, its economy started to grow rapidly. But relationships with its neighbors were not so steady. For instance there were territorial disputes over Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island and in the border area between mainland China and India. To stabilize its economic development, mainland China adopted a neighborhood policy, pursuing coexistence and multi interests with neighboring nations. The territorial dispute over Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island was resolved by bilateral compromise. This paper reviews Chinese foreign policy toward Russia from the perspective of the ancient Chinese tribute system and the modern neighborhood policy.