Shen Ying

(№.1,2015)

Abstract: Boris Yeltsin’s view of China is key to understanding his policy on China which reflects his perception of the country. During Yeltsin’s term in office, China-Russia relations underwent three steps to enter the stage of comprehensive development, which showcased Yeltsin’s judgment of China for the interests of Russia’s development. As believed by President Yeltsin, Russia treated China as its interest and opportunity and paid increasing attention to China as the most important neighbor, recognizing and supporting China as a big country and strengthening the cooperation with it on bilateral, regional and international affairs. There is no doubt that the Russian people, including their top decision-makers are constantly striving to become a European power and that the prerequisite and ultimate goal of Yeltsin’s policy on China is to cooperate with the country to safeguard Russian interests.

Keywords: Yeltsin; view of China; China-Russia relations