'Russia and China share same goal in constructing alternative world order', analyst says

Key Concepts

• Great Power Competition: The geopolitical rivalry between major global powers (US, China, Russia) for influence and strategic dominance.
• Multi-polar World: A geopolitical vision advocated by China and Russia to move away from a US-dominated global order toward a system with multiple centers of power.
• Strategic Partnership: The long-term, multifaceted cooperation between China and Russia, encompassing trade, diplomacy, and security.
• NATO Expansion: The primary narrative used by Russia, and supported by China, to justify the military operation in Ukraine as a defensive reaction to Western encroachment.
• Territorial Sovereignty (Taiwan/Ukraine): The parallel drawn between Russia’s claims over Ukraine and China’s claims over Taiwan as core national interests.

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1. The Nature of the China-Russia Relationship

Professor Rex Lee highlights that the relationship between China and Russia has been deepening for over two decades. The visit of Vladimir Putin to Beijing is characterized as a warm, strategic engagement that contrasts with other diplomatic visits. The core of this partnership is a shared objective: to construct an alternative global order that is not dominated by the United States and its allies.

2. China’s Central Geopolitical Position

China is described as occupying a "central position" in the current global landscape. It is simultaneously managing a relationship with the US administration while maintaining a robust strategic alliance with Russia. This dual approach allows China to leverage its influence to promote a multi-polar world.

3. Strategic Alignment on Ukraine and Iran

• Ukraine: China provides diplomatic and economic support to Russia, effectively validating the Russian narrative that the conflict was a necessary response to NATO expansion and Western interference.
• Iran: Both China and Russia maintain close ties with Iran. Professor Lee suggests that these two nations could potentially play a significant role in mediating or influencing the conflict involving Iran, given their economic and diplomatic leverage.
• Economic Interdependence: The conflict in the Middle East has increased China’s demand for Russian oil, which serves as a vital revenue stream for Moscow and further cements the economic bond between the two nations.

4. The Taiwan-Ukraine Parallel

A significant point of analysis is the comparison between the status of Ukraine and Taiwan. From Beijing’s perspective, Ukraine is to Russia what Taiwan is to China: a territory that is considered a core national interest.

• Expectations: China expects Russia to continue supporting its position on Taiwan diplomatically.
• Military Involvement: While Russia provides diplomatic backing for China’s stance on Taiwan, there is no expectation that Russia would provide direct military involvement in a potential conflict over the island.

5. Perspectives on International Law and Human Rights

The discussion addresses the international criticism of Russia regarding war crimes and the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Professor Lee notes that from the Chinese perspective, these accusations are viewed as "Western narratives." China consistently frames the conflict through the lens of Russian security concerns, effectively dismissing international legal findings to maintain its strategic alignment with Moscow.

6. Synthesis and Conclusion

The meeting between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin serves as a clear signal to the international community that China and Russia are committed to a unified vision of global governance. By prioritizing their strategic partnership over Western-led international norms, the two nations are actively working to reshape the global order. The takeaway is that despite international pressure, economic sanctions, and allegations of war crimes, the China-Russia axis remains resilient, driven by mutual economic needs and a shared desire to challenge the existing US-led geopolitical framework.