On Sunday, Russia held its presidential election. According to the latest figures from the Russian Central Election Commission, Putin secured his re-election with over 76 percent of the vote with over 99 percent of votes counted.
Further Rapprochement
Relations between Russia and China will continue to positively develop as the re-elected leaders are expected to promote their existing foreign policy courses, Chinese experts speculated.
"Putin's re-election as president will ensure Moscow's stable course toward China, and the Russian-Chinese relations will develop confidently and positively. Continuity of the leadership will ensure continuity of policy," Sun Changdong, a member of the council of the Russia-China research center of strategic partnership, told Sputnik.
Feng Yujun, a deputy director of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies, also believed that Putin's re-election meant that Moscow would continue developing good-neighborly relations and friendly cooperation with Beijing.
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"In the political sphere, the leaders of the two countries have already established constructive relations, Putin is well acquainted with the political system and political culture of China, he has extensive contacts with the Chinese leadership, so his election will contribute to the stable development of the Russian-Chinese relations," Feng said.
According to Feng, Putin's main foreign policy course will not change during the new presidential term, and Russian-Chinese relations in politics, the economy, security and other areas will be strengthened.
Governments Should Develop Economic Cooperation
Sun said that bilateral economic cooperation would continue developing as well, noting however that the Russian side should continue improving their business climate to attract new investment.
"The governments should try to create even better conditions in this area. I hope that the Russian side will work to improve the business climate, solve emerging problems in order to give more confidence to Chinese investors, especially potential investors. This is the only way to give impetus to the Russian-Chinese economic cooperation and to increase Chinese investment in the Russian economy," Sun said.
"The tendency to enhance the Russia-China cooperation in the high-tech industry and infrastructure will remain in place… This includes the development of the Northern Sea Route, the ports of the Far East," Feng said.
According to the expert, Russia will continue its policy of "turning to the East" and pay more attention to China amid the ongoing deterioration of relations with the West.
Sun also noted that Russia and China should enhance their partnership in the humanitarian sphere, specifically in the fields of culture and sports. He added that China would provide Russia with its full support for the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer.
The views and opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Sputnik.
