It is tempting to hyperventilate about Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to China last week. Some see the Beijing stopover as a reminder of the two countries' determination to counter Western or, more specifically, U.S. "hegemony" and the challenge they pose to the international order. By this reasoning, Moscow and Beijing are "threats" and closer relations between them are an ominous development.
Breathe easier. Russia and China should be cooperating. They have mutual concerns and interests, with which they are uniquely suited to deal. And given their tumultuous history, it is far better that the two giants — yes, even rivals — are working together rather than at cross-purposes.
Putting Beijing on the itinerary of his first trip abroad as president confirms that Mr. Medvedev attaches a high priority to relations with China. That policy is consistent with that of his predecessor. It is only natural that their bilateral relationship should be considered "strategic" by both governments. The two countries share a long border and have common interests in the stability of neighboring regions, especially in Central Asia.