China-Russia Relations

Zelenskyy claims that Kyiv has information on at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.

The idea relies on a historical fallacy: Kissinger didn’t create the Sino-Soviet split. He merely took advantage of it.

Whatever the U.S. intentions, the outcome of the Russia-U.S. dialogue would be beneficial for China.

The two leaders discussed at length the recent developments in Russia-U.S. relations, a sign that such talks will not impact China and Russia’s close partnership.

Any U.S. attempt to align with Russia to counterbalance China lacks the geopolitical, economic, and strategic foundation necessary for success. 

The U.S. and China are both effectively pushing Ukraine back into Russia’s sphere of influence – but Beijing’s approach suddenly looks more reasonable in comparison.

While China-Russia relations have certainly gotten closer since the 1990s, recent indicators may point to strains.

Insights from Vita Golod.

A carefully managed continuation of the war against Ukraine, by contrast, benefits China in asserting its global leadership.

In 1972, Nixon partnered with the PRC against the Soviet Union. In 2024, is Washington really seeking to partner with Russia against China?

With concern mounting over the 10,000 North Korean soldiers reportedly sent to Russia, North Korea's foreign minister went to Moscow while Russia's deputy foreign minister was in Beijing.

There’s an obvious anti-U.S. bent to China’s ties with Russia, Iran, and North Korea, but Beijing must tread carefully lest it be pulled deeper into conflict than it is willing to go.

Friendly rhetoric hides distrust and competition between an ambitious Beijing and a Moscow jealous of its Arctic prerogative. 

There are reasons for Kyiv to hope that Beijing might eventually push Moscow for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. However, Kuleba’s visit to China has not been a decisive step in this direction.

Even though it is in China’s interest to lead a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the benefit of waiting for the strategically optimal time outweighs the potential risks.

How accurate is Western thinking on China’s ‘closeness’ with Russia?

Insights from Yurii Poita.

Zelenskyy’s unusually direct comments in Singapore marked a significant shift in Kyiv’s stance and a long-overdue reckoning with China's role in the war. 

The hope that Beijing would distance itself, however minimally, from Moscow has finally been extinguished. Europe needs to adjust its approach accordingly.

Insights from Valbona Zeneli.

China’s development of batteries and other clean energy technologies will ultimately constrain Russia’s hydrocarbon complex, complicating ties.

Instead, the China-Russia talks point to important, longer-term changes to the world architecture.

Russia and China both see advantages in deepening their partnership but mismatches in their priorities persist. 

Putin's visit underscored China and Russia's coordination to push forward an “emerging multipolar world.”