俄远东621万km2陷三国角力！澳洲退场引爆资源争夺战，北极熊后院起火！

Core Insights - The article highlights the complex reality of the Russian Far East, characterized by a declining population and increasing trade with China, reflecting a region caught between decay and lost hope [1][2]. Population Decline - The Far Eastern Federal District has a population of only 6.2 million over an area equivalent to seven Indias, with a population density of less than 1.1 people per square kilometer [2]. - Annually, around 30,000 young people migrate to Moscow for better opportunities, contributing to a low birth rate of 1.1, far below the 2.1 needed to maintain population levels [2]. - The aging population rate is at 23%, with a labor shortage exceeding 500,000, leading to severe demographic challenges [2]. Infrastructure Challenges - The region's infrastructure is deteriorating, exemplified by the Siberian Railway, which has suffered from years of neglect [4]. - In 2023, the GDP of the Far East declined by 2.2%, with an average profit margin of only 4.1%, less than half of that in Western Russia [4]. - Government initiatives like the "Far East One Hectare" program have failed to attract significant migration, with a net population loss exceeding 300,000 over ten years [4]. Economic Dependency - The Far East's economy is heavily reliant on China, with over 75% of trade dependent on Chinese partnerships, and 90% of cross-border projects led by Chinese capital [6]. - This dependency poses both opportunities and risks, as seen in the Russian government's cautious stance towards Chinese investments, citing national security concerns [6]. Resource Potential and New Opportunities - The opening of the Arctic shipping route presents new opportunities, with the Far East holding 80% of Russia's diamonds, 50% of its gold, and 27 trillion cubic meters of natural gas [8]. - The Arctic route significantly reduces shipping costs, allowing for faster delivery to Europe [8]. - Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of the Tongjiang Railway Bridge, enhance connectivity and trade efficiency between China and the Far East [10]. Investment Climate - The introduction of the "China-Russia Mutual Investment Protection Agreement" in 2024 allows foreign investors to seek international arbitration, signaling a more favorable investment climate [10]. - Russian elites express anxiety over the region's future, with some advocating for increased Chinese investment and technology as essential for survival [10].