The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and the Sino-Russian Partnership

This chapter examines the benefits Chinese officials believe their country derives from the Sino-Russian partnership as well as its limitations in the broader context of a globalized world from which China greatly benefits economically. This is not the Cold War alliance of the 1950s-today China seeks Russian partnership to adjust the rules of the global order to accommodate the preferences and needs of authoritarian regimes as well as to buttress Chinese global economic and security positions. Although censorship has prohibited criticism of Sino-Russian relations, some prominent retired officials have stated publicly that Russia is a liability and a few leading scholars have criticized Russian policies. Despite evidence of misgivings in some advisory circles, Xi is unlikely to change course.