How Russia, China are Creating Unified Eurasian Trade Space
Russia is pushing ahead with its project of a “more extensive Eurasian partnership” involving the Eurasian Economic Union, Moscow’s CIS partners as well as China, India, Pakistan and Iran; meanwhile, Beijing and Moscow continue to build a Eurasian economic corridor that will stretch from Shanghai to Berlin.
In his interview with Xinhua, recorded on June 17 on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin emphasized:
“‘Comprehensive’ means that we work virtually on all major avenues; ‘strategic’ means that we attach enormous inter‑governmental importance to this work,” the President of Russia explained.
© Sputnik/ Iliya Pitalev
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It is expected that the leaders of the two countries will sign more than 30 documents during Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing. “Predictably, the Russian President’s trip to the People’s Republic of China has become the focus of worldwide attention, especially after inking the agreement of integration of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the China-led New Silk Road initiative on May 8, 2015,” Sarkis Tsaturyan, a Russian-Armenian historian and international policy analyst, writes in his recent article for Regnum.
The analyst points out that over the past year Moscow has taken considerable steps in the Asian direction. For instance, on May 1, President Putin approved Federal law N120-FZ on ratification of free trade between the EAEU and Vietnam.
© Sputnik/ Vladimir Astapkovich
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his address at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
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However, there is much more to be done.
Speaking at the plenary session of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 17 President Putin called attention to the fact that over 40 states and international organizations have expressed their willingness to establish a free trade zone with the EAEU, thus creating a “greater integration area.”
© Sputnik/ Vladimir Astapkovich
Cooperation on Silk Road Belt – Putin
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According to Tsaturyan, Vladimir Putin’s message does not require further clarification, especially in the context of Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s earlier speech at the State Duma on June 15. During a Government Hour at Russia’s State Duma Lavrov pointed out that an agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU and China “is being drafted,” as well as “an agreement in principle on a search for ways of integrating the development plans of the EAEU and the Silk Road Economic Belt.” He added that negotiations on establishing free trade zones with many states from different parts of the world are also underway.
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Russia and China’s initiatives are understandable in the light of the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) projects championed by the US. Both countries are interested in creating a unified economic space in Eurasia. Meanwhile, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping has tested waters in Central and Eastern Europe during his latest trip. Remarkably, Beijing’s initiative has received high praise in Warsaw and Belgrade, while the Baltic States are also seeking a way to jump on the New Silk Road bandwagon.
The analyst hinted at the fact that Germany and other major European countries are also interested in this integration process, regardless of Washington’s obvious displeasure. According to Tsaturyan, Berlin and London seek to diminish the US’ influence in Eurasia and swing the balance in their own favor.
Apparently, therefore German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has openly denounced NATO’s Anaconda-2016 military drills on Russia’s doorstep as “warmongering” and “saber-rattling” that can deteriorate the situation on the continent and worsen the EU relations with Russia, the analyst suggests.