the respective commercial interests between the two countries are disproportionate. For Russia, China’s market is crucial. China now accounts for 11 percent of Russia’s total exports, and in terms of energy it will only grow. For China, Russia is an important and reliable supplier of energy imports, but accounts for only 2 percent of China’s total exports. Russia is also a key part of Beijing’s strategy of energy diversification. Russian oil and gas lessen dependence on the Middle East and on waterborne transport, which the Chinese worry could be interdicted by the U.S. Navy.
