"To me, Russia has a lot more to lose long-term by making buddy buddy with China and helping arm them."
The real issue is will china risk a war with a nuclear power over the 'nothern resource area,' given that so far their leadership has demonstrated a clear appreciation of MAD.
If you assume they won't, then russia shud be selling as much as they can to them, and getting as much penetration into what will become the greatest market in the world."
Correct. When I say long-term I mean the next four to five decades. China is already facing drastic water and energy shortages because of their rapid growth in the five years of really opening up their markets. As this accelerates over decades and they become stronger militarily, they could become like a Japan of WWII.
Your points are good. As always, rare to see a country with enough central control AND economic security to be able to plan its short AND long term interests concurrently. We certainly cannot, Russia doesn't seem to be (they need cash), but in many ways China CAN.