Relations Between Russia and China in the 1990s

The retrospective analysis offered in this study helps the trace the evolution in the development of Russian-Chinese relations in the 1990s and outline the key periods during their vector changed, as well as the trace of the reasons ouing to the difference in social systems and ideologies did not become an obstacle to the bilateral partnership. The method of historical retrospection as the method of document analysis were used during the study. The main sources for the study of interstate relations were the statements of the leaders of Russia and China, as well as joint communiqués signed during the exchange visits of the heads of Russia and China, because these sources most clearly reflect the intentions and goals of the parties. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the previously unprecedented comprehensive analysis of China-Russia relations in the 1990s through the prism of joint interstate documents published in Chinese language. The relevance of this work lies in the fact that Russian-Chinese relations, which evolved in the 1990s, have become a solid foundation for relations between Russia and China in the 21st century. The author concludes that in last decade of the XX century China and Russia, having made the necessary conclusions from the mistakes of the past, stopped considering the social systems and ideological similarities and differences as necessary conditions for the development of inter-state relations and began to put national interests first, which helped them to agree on major issues of the modern world order: multipolarity of the world, opposing hegemony, maintaining global strategic stability and become reliable strategic partners. This result was achieved by joint cooperation of the two sides, respect for each other and consideration of mutual interests. The scientific significance of the research is determined by the fact that its materials can contribute to further deepening and expanding the study of the problems of interaction between the PRC and the Russian Federation in complex historical conditions at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries. Previously, the author proposed a study of the Soviet-Chinese relations in the 1980s. This article is intended to take the next step – to study no less interesting and resonant period in the development of bilateral relations after the collapse of the USSR.