Among the sets of major-power relations in the world today, those between China and the U.S., between China and Russia, and between Russia and U.S. are most eye-catching. For each of these relationships involved, the countries involved do have the subjective needs and objective conditions to cooperate and coexist. In reality, however, the three sets of relations are quite different from one another, a fact quite thought provoking.

Why did the three talked about strategic partnership?

During Russian President Yeltsin's visit to China in April 1996, the two heads of states signed a joint statement declaring their decision to develop "a strategic and cooperative partnership based on equality and mutual trust and oriented towards the 21st century."

Then when the Chinese President visited the U.S. in October 1997, heads of states of the two countries decided to "build toward a constructive strategic partnership between China and the United States through increasing cooperation to meet international challenges and promote peace and development in the world."

During Russian President Putin's visit to the U.S. in November 2001 and visit to Russia by U.S. President George W. Bush in May 2002, joint statements on their "new relationship" and then "new strategic relationship" were issued. According to the joint statements, Russia and the U.S. "have overcome the legacy of the Cold War. Neither country regards the other as an enemy or threat." And the two countries were moving into "a new era of friendly relations."

There are reasons for all three to want strategic and cooperative relationships. Since the end of the Cold War, peace and development has become the prevailing theme: all major countries follow a policy of seeking self-improvement internally and co-existing amidst competition externally. Internally, countries prioritize economic development and changes and pursue economic growth driven by scientific and technological advancement with a view of improving their overall national strength. Externally, they try their best to improve the global environment and win over favorable strategic positions so as to create sound external conditions for their own development. More prominent is ,the momentum for countries to cooperate for their own security and development interests.

Facts have shown that not only do conflicts between U.S., China and Russia affect the world, their interdependence and sometimes synergy also shapes world affairs.

Why have the three sets of relationships developed rather differently?

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