B2939 - China-Russian Relations

Learning outcomes

Sino-Russian relations improved considerably after the Soviet era. The two states recognise common interests, not least in challenging the policies of the US. But as China takes on an influential role in Central Asia and reassesses its global position, the module considers how these relations may develop. Particular emphasis will be paid to the impact that the two powers are having on the international order, and on such issues as security, global governance, democracy, and human rights.

Course contents

Sino-Russian relations have deepened remarkably over the recent past. After two decades of rising bilateral tensions during the terminal phases of the Cold War, Moscow and Beijing started reconstructing a working relation throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. As the two powers gained in domestic stability and international agency, their relationship began to flourish again – even more so since the first iteration of the Ukraine war (2014/15). This has resulted in a considerable number of commercial, scientific, military, and political deals — encompassed by a shared aversion to the US-led liberal international order. Both sides have started talking about a 'limitless partnership.'

However, significant challenges to a closer Sino-Russian alignment remain. Not only Beijing and Moscow have presented competing (macro)regional projects, but also they do not fully support each other on many contentious issues — including Taiwan and Ukraine. Moreover, since 2022 the relation between Russia and China has grown increasingly imbalanced. In light of this, many observers have concluded that the Russia-China partnership has poor substance.

This module aims to equip students with the conceptual tools and empirical knowledge necessary to thoroughlly understand the intricate nature and evolving dynamics of the relations between China and Russia. In particular, students will learn about the political, security, and economic spheres of the China-Russia relationship, and how this unfolds within specific geographical spaces or international domains. Emphasis will be put on the impact that the two powers are having on regional orders, global governance, and the state of democracy.

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

• analyse the historical trajectory and contemporary political, security, and economic dimensions of China-Russia relations;
• evaluate the motivations and impacts of their cooperation and competition in key geopolitical regions and global governance structures;
• critically assess various academic perspectives and current events shaping their bilateral ties;
• develop and present well-researched analyses on specific case studies within the broader relationship;
  
• apply the acquired notions, also in conjunction with other disciplines, to obtain a more complete/deeper understanding of contemporary international politics.

 

* Basic instructions

This module develops coherently with its twin on China’s Foreign Policy (Prof Dian). Together, they intend to provide students with a specialist knowledge on key dynamics in the Eurasian space.

Classes will be held in presence. While half of the classes will be delivered as traditional lectures, the teacher encourages students to actively participate. Therefore, the constant study of proposed topics, supported by the readings assigned to each session, will be required. Students will find the readings and other material on the Virtuale page of this module.

The first part of the module systematically dissects the core dimensions of the China-Russia relationship, laying a comprehensive background for in-depth inspection of specific sub-areas and their global consequences.

The second part of the module is devoted to 'case studies,' where students will actively engage by presenting their in-depth research and analysis on specific sub-areas of China-Russia relations. The case studies will be assigned at the end of the first week of class to ensure ample time for everyone to prepare. The presentations, lasting 20-30 minutes, should critically analyse a specific sub-area of China-Russia relations, illustrating various aspects and key issues. The presentations should be based both on what was learnt during the course and on original research conducted by the students. Each time, the presentations will be followed by a Q&A between the students, and an in-depth discussion by the lecturer.

 

* Structure

Session 1: Introduction

This foundational session will help students familiarise themsleves with the module’s aim, structure, and requirements. The class will also critically review the evolution of Sino-Soviet and early Sino-Russian relations, focussing on pivotal historical junctires and legacies that continue shaping bilateral relations.

Session 2 + Session 3: Political relations

These two sessions will explore the multifaceted political aspects of China-Russia relations. Among other topics, the class will explore the in/compatibility between Russian and Chinese material interests, their respective worldviews and shared narratives regarding the global order, the extent of ideological convergence versus pragmatic alignment, and distinct self-perceptions in international affairs.

Session 4: Security relations

This session will focus on the strategic and military dimensions of the China-Russia relationship. The class will explore the in/compatibility between the two powers’ threat assessments, strategic cultures, and military capabilities. Particular attention will be paid to the concepts of partnership and alliance, including their joint military exercises and defense technology transfers, and the implications for regional and global security environments.

Session 5: Economic relations

This session will focus on the economic dimension of the China-Russia relationship. The class will explore the economic determinants of such relationship and the growing trade, financial, energy ties between Moscow and Beijing. Particular attention will be paid also to the implementation of joint technical/technological projects. 

Session 6: The Russia-India-China Triangle

Case study. This session will analyse the 'India factor' in Russia-China relations, unpacking how New Delhi features in the two countries' individual policies and joint efforts to reshape regional and global governance. The discussion will also touch upon the evolving dynamics of the BRICS grouping as an example of multilateral cooperation/competition among these powers.

Session 7: Russian and Chinese models of regional integration

Case study (student-led seminar). This session will explore the nature, scope, and degree of in/compatibility between the (macro)regional integration and connectivity projects heralded by Russia and China. Among others, the CSTO, SCO, EaEU, Greater Eurasian Partnership, and BRI will be analysed, focussing on Russian and Chinese visions of international governance and how these initiatives interact or potentially compete across Eurasia.

Session 8: Russia and China in Central Asia

Case study (student-led seminar). This session will focus on China-Russia relations in Central Asia. The class will dissect the interests, perceptions, and actions of the two powers, to understand the determinants of their cooperation and (potential) confrontation in that critical sub-region of Eurasia. Consideration will also be given to the role of domestic factors within Central Asian states in shaping this dynamic. 

Session 9: Russia, China, and the Liberal International Order

Case study (student-led seminar). This session will focus on Russian and Chinese perceptions of the LIO and the nature, aim, and scope of their opposition to Western hegemony. Particular attention will be given to the concept of revisionism, as well as the issues of Ukraine and Taiwan. Students are encouraged to analyze their coordinated and distinct strategies within multilateral institutions (such as the UN Security Council) to advance their vision of global governance.

Session 10: Conclusion

This session will summarise key aspects of the module and help students solve any doubts they may have regarding the module’s content or examination. The class will debate how China-Russia relations may evolve over the mid-term, considering both internal and external pressures, and discuss other relevant trends in global affairs such as their expanding engagements in the Global South.

Readings/Bibliography

Session 1:

Maizland, L. (2022, 14 June). “China and Russia: Exploring Ties Between Two Authoritarian Powers.” Council on Foreign Relations.

Radchenko, S. (2019). “The Sino-Russian relationship in the mirror of the Cold War.” China International Strategy Review, vol. 1, pp. 269-282.

Session 2 + Session 3:

Des Garets Geddes, T. (2023, 30 May). “The Art of Tasseography: China-Russia Relations as Viewed from China.” Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Kim. P.M. (2023). “The limits of the no-limits partnership: China and Russia can’t be split, but they can be thwarted.” Foreign Affairs, vol. 102, no. 2, pp. 94-105.

Kolosov, V. & Zotova, M. (2021). “The ‘Pivot to East’ and China in Russian Discourse.” Geopolitics, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 879-903.

Larson, D.W. (2020). “An equal partnership of unequals. China’s and Russia’s new status relationship.” International Politics, vol. 57, pp. 790-808.

Session 4: 

Brandt, J. & Cooper, Z. (2022). “Sino-Russian Splits: Divergences in Autocratic Coercion.” The Washington Quarterly, vol. 45, no. 3, pp. 23-46.

Korolev, A. (2019). “On the Verge of an Alliance: Contemporary China-Russia Military Cooperation.” Asian Security, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 233-252.

Session 5:

Hillman, J.E. (2020). “China and Russia: Economic Unequals.” Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

Phillips, H. (2023, 4 December). “The Rising Threat of China and Russia’s Deepening Technological Partnership.” International Policy Review, Stanford University.

Wachtmeister, H. (2023). “Russia-China energy relations since 24 February: Consequences and options for Europe.” Report no. 1/23. Stockholm: Swedish National China Centre (NKK) & Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS).

Session 6:

TBD

Session 7:

Kaczmarski, M. (2017). “Non-Western visions of regionalism: China’s New Silk Road and Russia’s Euriasian Economic Union.” International Affairs, vol. 93, no. 6, pp. 1357-1376.

Rolland, N. (2019). “A China-Russia Condominium over Eurasia.” Survival, vol. 61, no. 1, pp. 7-22.

Session 8:

Berloto, S. & Fasola, N. (2025). "Kyrgyzstan In 2021-2024: Japarov’s seizure of power amidst structural challenges." Asia Maior [online first].

Hess, M. (2023, 17 February). “Russia is Down, But Not Out, in Central Asia.” Central Asia Papers, Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI).

Murtazashvili, J. (2022, 17 May). “China’s Activities and Influence in South and Central Asia.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Session 9:

Kaczmarski, M. (2019). “Convergence or divergence? Visions of world order and the Russia-China relationship.” European Politics and Society, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 207-224.

Andersson, P., von Essen, H., Bohman, V. (2023). “China’s and Russia’s narratives on the war against Ukraine. Examining the boundaries of political alignment.” Report no. 3/23. Stockholm: Swedish National China Centre (NKK) & Stockholm Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS).

Trush, S.M. (2022). “Crisis between Russia and Ukraine: The China Factor.” Herald of the Russian Academy of Sciences, vol. 92, suppl. 7, pp. S595-S600.

Session 10:

Radin, A. et al. (2021). China-Russia Cooperation. Determining Factors, Future Trajectories, Implications for the United States. Santa Monica, CA: RAND.

Teaching methods

Traditional lectures and interactive seminars.

Assessment methods

Class attendance is mandatory. Students who do not attend at least 70% of the classes will not be allowed to take the final exam.

The overall grade for this module will result from:

1. active in-class participation (10%) = evaluated based on informed contributions to discussions, critical engagement, and construtive feedback;
2. group presentations on case studies (40%) = assessed on content, analyitical depth, clarity, and presentation skills;
   
3. policy brief (50%) = to assess overall comprehension, analytical skills, the ability to apply old and new knowledge in creative ways.

As per usual, grades will be expressed on a scale from 0 to 30 (‘trentesimi’):

• 0-18 = fail
• 18 = pass threshold
• 18 – 20 = sufficient
• 21 – 23 = fair
• 24 – 26 = good
• 27 – 29 = very good
• 30 / 30 cum laude = excellent

Teaching tools

Power point, videos, documents, in-class interaction, Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Nicolò Fasola