An inquiry into China and Russia strategic partnership from geopolitical perspective

Abstract

Since the 1990s, China and Russia have come to forge strategic partnership which is seen as the counterbalance to the U.S. hegemony. Yet, the solidarity between the two largest powers in Eurasia is under the question since the Ukraine crisis has not only caused the unexpected impacts on the global energy and food security, but also the geopolitical dimensions now and beyond. What can Russia expect from China during the ongoing conflict, and how can China offer to Russia’s urgent needs as it has fought alone against the U.S.-led allies? Regarding the question if Beijing has tried “to keep its distance” from Moscow now or afterward, this study asserts that there is a profound historical logic for China-Russia relationship to reach where it is today. As the largest neighbours to each other and the high-level strategic partnership, China and Russia have strong internal dynamics to facilitate the comprehensive strategic partnership in rebuilding a multilateral world order. Beijing is aware of the consequences if China losses Russia as the most effective strategic partner given the prospect of the Global NATO pivoting to the Asia-pacific to merge with the U.S.-Japan axis, AUKUS and the Quad security dialogue. Thus, the rationale behind the policy-making elites in Beijing remains that China-Russia relations is a strategic choice that Beijing has made to realize national rejuvenation and support world multi-polarity based on international laws and the authoritative role of the U.N.