Putin covers his bets

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to China is expected to improve what is officially described as a strategic partnership between the two countries, one driven by both economic and geopolitical considerations. In strengthening this bilateral relationship, Russia appears to be countering mounting pressure from Washington concerning Moscow's internal affairs.

Putin is due to visit China from Thursday to Saturday this week for talks with President Hu Jintao, with discussions expected to focus on economic and strategic issues. Economic agreements to be signed cover space flight, atomic energy, engineering manufacturing, high technology, information technology and communications.

Last month, Moscow promised to supply more crude oil to China, while Beijing pledged to invest US$12 billion in Russia's infrastructure and energy sector by 2020. But despite economic incentives, Beijing is yet to secure a clear commitment from Moscow to build an oil pipeline from Siberia, a long-standing issue between the two countries. Russia has promised to build the oil pipeline to China as an extra stretch to its Pacific pipeline, but a final decision is unlikely to materialize soon.

Meanwhile, Russian officials have suggested bilateral trade could hit $20 billion this year, reaching the goal set by the two countries last year - twice the level of 2001. The nations have pledged to push bilateral trade past the $60 billion mark by 2010, although that would mean no less than the same robust 20% annual growth rate.

Asia Times

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