[sergey1973]

This latest Putin game of Russian-Chinese alliance is very foolish. China with its ever growing population has not forgotten the loss of Far East to the Russian Empire in 19th century. Plus, scarcely populated Siberian planes could be easily flooded with Chinese. Russian Far East already receives a steady stream of Chinese workers and traders. They are hardworking and exceptionally disciplined people. However, they are unlikely to assimilate into moribund and scarce Russian population and feel like Russian Citizens. They may some day to demand "reunification" with China. Neo Communist China is not interested in partnership with Russia or with anybody else--it's interested in domination. Putin should understand that becoming Communist Chinese vassal and possibly loosing a huge chunk of Russian territory is price not worth paying. However, I'm afraid, Putin and Kremlin establishment hates America more than they are afraid of Chinese ambitions.

[twinself]

The processes you're talking about are largely inevitable due to demographic reasons. China WILL become a world superpower - the questions is only when it happens. Putin's recent gestures are a prelude to Chinese dominance in that region and I believe he is fully aware of that, too. That's way he plays a blind man on Chinese games with Taiwan. Nevertheless I don't have to tell you that Russia can play a full-blown partner (weaponry provider and military mentor) and/or competitor to China only in a short term horizon. Then it will become but a resources deposit for Chinese dragon. In truth high dependence of Russian economy on resources poses a threat to its economy in the future.