2024-11-21 17:48:00
The Viennese political scientist Velina Tchakarova coined the term “dragon bear“: what is meant is how the Russian bear and the Chinese dragon are increasingly deepening their military and civilian cooperation in order to harm the West. The war in Ukraine has actually led to a realignment of relations between the two states. Nowhere is this more evident than in our shared trade relations: Moscow and Beijing are constantly moving closer together. In the third quarter of 2024, exports from China to Russia reached an all-time high. Russia imports 41 percent of its goods from China, especially cars, machinery and chemical products. This proportion has doubled since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
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How should Western nations adapt their strategies in response to the emerging ”dragon bear” alliance?
**Interview with Velina Tchakarova on the “Dragon Bear” Dynamics**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Velina. Thank you for joining us today. Your term “dragon bear” has been gaining traction lately to describe the deepening ties between Russia and China. Can you explain what you mean by this term?
**Velina Tchakarova:** Thank you for having me. The “dragon bear” concept encapsulates the strategic partnership developing between Russia and China, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine war. This relationship is characterized by enhanced military cooperation and increasingly significant economic ties. Both nations are aligning their interests to counter Western influence, which has reshaped their historical dynamics.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating how you highlight these changes. In your analysis, how has the war in Ukraine shifted the balance between these two powers?
**Velina Tchakarova:** The war in Ukraine has acted as a catalyst for realignment. As Russia faces isolation from Western sanctions, it has turned to China for support. This is reflected in trade relations, where exports from China to Russia hit record levels in the third quarter of 2024. Russia is now importing 41% of its goods from China—an increase that has significant implications for global trade.
**Interviewer:** What types of goods are particularly driving this trade surge?
**Velina Tchakarova:** The main imports from China to Russia include cars, machinery, and chemical products. This diversification of goods illustrates how dependent Russia has become on Chinese support, demonstrating a shift in economic power dynamics as they both seek to strengthen their positions against Western sanctions and influences.
**Interviewer:** Given this increasing cooperation, what do you think the long-term implications are for the West?
**Velina Tchakarova:** The long-term implications could be significant. A strengthened China-Russia alliance poses a challenge to Western nations, as it could lead to a more cohesive bloc that could undermine efforts to isolate either nation. It’s essential for Western policymakers to reassess their strategies in light of these developments.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what should the public take away from these evolving relations? Should they be concerned about this emerging “dragon bear”?
**Velina Tchakarova:** Absolutely, public awareness is crucial. Understanding the geopolitical landscape and the ramifications of such alliances is important. The “dragon bear” represents not just a bilateral relationship but a shift that could reshape global power dynamics. It’s essential for citizens to engage with these issues—what are your thoughts on the potential outcomes of this partnership? How do you feel the West should respond to this evolving alliance?
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The interview helps frame a discussion around the implications of the “dragon bear” alliance, inviting readers to share their views and fostering a deeper debate on these critical geopolitical shifts.
