Why Russia And China Have Cultivated Such Close Relations

"The president of China, Xi Jinping, visited Sochi last week for the start of the Winter Olympics and for talks with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Russia was the destination for Mr Xi's first foreign visit as the leader of China-a conscious decision that signals the importance China attaches to relations with Russia. Mr Putin has been keen to cultivate the Chinese leadership.

Politically, the two countries form a counterweight to the Western states among the permanent membership of the UN Security Council. Invariably, they vote in lockstep in the Council, and seek to uphold the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states.

Since the anomaly of Russia's abstention on UN Security Council Resolution 1973 (authorising air strikes in Libya), Russia and China have blocked any resolution to authorise intervention in Syria, put undue pressure on the Syrian government or to tighten sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme. Although it is tempting to wonder when China might stop following Russia's lead at the Security Council, the similarity of outlook on matters of international security suggests that the Sino-Russian axis at the UN will be lasting. Both states also share a common sensitivity towards Western criticism of their domestic politics..."

at http://www.businessinsider.com/why-russia-and-china-have-cultivated-such-close-relations-2014-2#ixzz2tKIMLutI