Abstract:The geo political competition among great powers has once again become fierce, which is both the important reason and a concrete manifestation of the “great changes unseen in a century”. However, constructing a new type of major power relationship with the core principle of "mutual respect and benefit" is an effective way to alleviate these uncertainties. This paper aims to prove this argument by respectively examining the interaction between Russia and the European Union, Russia and China in their common neighbourhood areas, given that one of the most important aspects of the great powers’ interaction happens in their common neighborhood. In Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Russia and the European Union have been practicing an interactive model of disrespect-resistance, which has serious negative impacts on bilateral relations and regional stability. The Russia-Georgian war in 2008 and the Ukraine crisis in 2014 are vivid examples. By contrast, Russia and China have formed an interactive model of respect-cooperation in Central Asia, which notably contribute to the mutually beneficial cooperation for Sino-Russian relations and the stability in Central Asia. The development of Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the strategic docking of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union are typical embodiment of this model. It is difficult for great powers to maintain and consolidate the respect-cooperation mode in their interaction, which requires both sides to be highly sensitive to each other's identity and demands, and constantly confirm them through symbolic gestures and practical actions. A slight carelessness may undermine the established respect-cooperation mode, or even slip to the contempt-resistance mode. Considering the significances of the positive interaction between the great powers for maintaining world peace and stability, it is vital to promote mutual respect between great powers and form the respect- cooperation mode.

Keyword: great powers' interaction, mutual respect, respect-cooperation mode, contempt-resistance mode