China has reportedly turned its attention toward certain Russia territories it views as historically connected to itself. To assert its claims over these lands, China is employing new tactics and adopting quieter, indirect methods to reinforce these.
According to reports, Beijing is proceeding cautiously to avoid alerting Moscow and risking what is currently one of its strongest diplomatic partnerships. Notably, China and Russia enjoy close ties and have best relations currently. The two countries often coordinate positions on global issues and jointly exercises their veto power at the United Nations. As per the American outlet Newsweek, China is laying its claim over territories that Russia seized from it years ago. China and Russia are neighbouring countries, sharing a 4,209-kilometer open border.
Which Russian territories is China eyeing and why?
China is eyeing the Siberian cities of Vladivostok and Amur, as well as an island in the Tumen River. These territories were ceded by China’s Qing dynasty to the Russian Empire in the 18th century. The last discussions between China and Russia regarding these territories took place in 2008, and the status quo has remained unchanged since then. By controlling the island in the Tumen river, China wants to send a message to Japan, which it considers a staunch enemy. China’s aim is to seize this island and cut off Japan’s access to the sea. Interestingly, the Tumen River and its surrounding waterways flow into the ocean near Japan.
To maintain its claim over these territories, China has decided not to make any changes to its maps. The Chinese Ministry of Tourism issued a decree stating that all locations should be depicted from China’s perspective.
How much land has Russia acquired from China?
Between 1855 and 1915, Russia acquired approximately one million hectares of land from China. Some of this land was seized by force, while other territories were given as gifts. In 1858, Russia first acquired the Amur region from China. In 1860, under the Treaty of Beijing, Russia acquired the city of Vladivostok from China. This city covers an area of 400,000 square kilometers. In 1914, Russia seized the Tuva region from China. China has made several attempts to reclaim these territories, but without success. Now, China is looking for ways to regain these lands through a deceptive treaty. This is a matter of intense deliberation in China.
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