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China-Russia relations
OpinionComment
Velina Tchakarova
Velina Tchakarova

Opinion | There is more to come from the China-Russia partnership

  • Moscow and Beijing’s ability to influence global affairs depends largely on their coordination
  • China’s economic support made Putin’s invasion of Ukraine possible, while Russia is keeping the West diverted from competition in the Indo-Pacific

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Velina Tchakarova

As a term describing relations between China and Russia, the “DragonBear” first emerged not as a strategic alliance or defence pact, but as an asymmetric temporary partnership that helps both countries navigate the muddy transitory waters of global affairs. The main calculus was to coordinate actions aimed at stabilising the two authoritarian regimes internally.

Moreover, Beijing and Moscow saw this coordination as a way of creating a credible anti-American narrative and counterweight in relations with third countries and regions.

Now, a closer look at Sino-Russian relations and their impact on global affairs is needed in light of Ukraine’s latest successful counteroffensive, which led to the recapture of the regional capital of Kherson.
China has been closely monitoring Russia’s war on Ukraine, and has constantly offered diplomatic and political support to Moscow. Soon after President Xi Jinping consolidated his power at the 20th Communist Party congress, China reiterated that bilateral relations were “rock solid”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch an all-out war against Ukraine is linked to the bifurcation of the global system. When Putin and Xi signed a declaration of friendship “with no limits” on February 4, it marked the culmination of gradual Sino-Russian coordination in various strategic areas.

This modus vivendi provided Putin with the necessary international momentum to wage all-out war against Ukraine, which he had been waiting for since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. At that time, China intervened to stabilise Russia’s currency and economy. Had Putin not been certain of China’s continued support, he would not have launched an invasion in 2022.

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