One Belt, One Road initiative and China-Russia relations – deep partnership or tactical alliance?

The article looks at the initiatives in the OBOR framework, but also more broadly into the relationship between Russia and China and the identities of both states. The immediate factors encourage the present state of friendly rapprochement. At the same time, there is something missing for the deeper relationship, which could last. OBOR is declaratively endorsed by Russia, but it is also seen as a competitive project for influence in the region, especially in Central Asia. The article looks into similarities in Russian and Chinese values, such as securitisation of democracy and juxtaposition to the West, but also brings up the differences such as the attitudes to religion, work ethics, tactics in foreign policy. The conclusion is that China and Russia are rather competitors in the region than stategic allies.