China, Russia, and the Strain on Neutrality in Global Diplomacy

Maria Waris

China and Russia are both Authoritarian states with a history of conflict and cooperation. 1839 to 1949 was the century of humiliation for China when it faced Japanese and European imperialism and was annexed by the Russian Empire. 1950 was the period when China and Russia laid the foundation of their friendship by signing the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Alliance, and Mutual Assistance. Both were unified due to common Marxist-Leninist communist ideology, and the Soviet Union helped China build nuclear weapons. 1969 -1989 marked the Sino Soviet Split, contributing factors included ideological conflicts, land disputes, and Russian support to India. Their relation was restored in 1989 upon the visit of Russian Prime Minister, Mikhael Gorbachev.

Despite claiming neutrality, China faces accusations of indirectly aiding Russia’s war effort through dual-use exports and drone access restrictions.

Later in 2001 post the dissolution of the USSR, China and Russia signed their treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation and decided to not use nuclear weapons against each other. Although both of them are not formal allies, their connection is driven by a strong force of shared sentiments towards US hegemony and a desire to counterbalance it. Since the 21^st century their relationship has improved resulting in greater security cooperation like military exercises and arms sale. Although both states’ determination to counter the west is unshakeable, they do encounter challenges like lack of interoperability, asymmetry and differing views on world order.

Right before Russian invasion on Ukraine they regarded their relation as unbreakable. Xi and Putin have met over 42 times and share a friendly bond with each other. Talking about commonalities of the two states both have structural similarities as both are Authoritarian and have an anti-western stance. Both utilize nonmilitary tools for enhancing global influence like through external intervention. Examples are Russian intervention in 2016 US elections and China’s information spread through public media owned by state. China and Russia are permanent veto members in UN. Challenges include mistrust among officials, civilians and business leaders of China and Russia.

China and Russia’s deepening ties reflect a strategic alignment against U.S. and NATO influence, fueling multipolarity in global politics.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused China to be in an awkward situation with China being accused of helping Russia in war with Ukraine. China fears a response from US and Europe and puts emphasis on its non-interference policy. In March 2023, Xi visited Russia and personally warned Putin against use of nuclear weapons but their joint military exercises continued. Their defense cooperation increased since 2014 and both have developed a missile warning system. Russian custom data from August 2023 suggests heavy machinery, vehicles and dual use items have been imported from China like excavators for digging trenches in war front lines. Beijing denies direct supply of ammunition and military technology. It has blocked access of surveillance drones to Ukraine while giving them to Russia which is a discrimination against Ukraine. 

Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky accuses Beijing for helping Moscow by providing weapons and drone spare parts backed by Ukrainian intelligence and security. Zelensky said;

“I cannot say we’re surprised, but we talked with the Chinese leader and he gave me his word that he won’t sell or give weapons to Russia. Unfortunately, we have facts and see the opposite information. In any case, we already have facts that China is strengthening Russia’s defense capability. And this is bad.” 

China firmly denies supply of any weapons to Russia. Chinese Foreign Minister Lin Jian says Beijing has not provided any military aid to Moscow. 

Lin Quoted;

China is “consistent and clear” about war in Ukraine and that “China has always actively made efforts for a cessation of hostilities and peace talks.” 

China’s neutrality in Russia Ukraine war is in question. Russia is accused of recruiting Chinese personal by advertising through platforms like TikTok. 2 Chinese citizens were caught on Ukrainian soil fighting along Russian troops. 

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun said;

“We shared China’s position on relevant issues. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation.”

Beijing-Moscow bilateral ties have undergone significant evolution over the recent period of time especially post the onset of Russia-Ukraine war. Although China and Russia are not formal allies but they are seen collaborating in political and economic fields it is due to their common mottos like countering western dominance including entities like the US and NATO.

The debate surrounding Ukraine’s accusation against China that it is involved in supplying Russia with weapons & arms aid and sending troops in Russia remains controversial. EU, US and NATO have raised concerns over Beijing’s noncompliance with international security norms. China remains steadfast on its stance that it is neutral in this scenario and projects itself as the advocate for peace and stability yet keeps helping Russia in gaining energy, trade deals and military assistance.

This situation has a deep effect on Global Diplomacy. Due to history of rivalry with Russia and competition with China the United States has become highly alert and feels threatened by their unification. China’s relationship with Russia is complicating its relationship with United States especially while Russia is under sanctions and condemned globally for its invasion of Ukraine. 

The ambiguity of China’s position complicates its diplomatic credibility and poses economic and political risks in its relations with the West.

From a global diplomacy perspective, the Chinese-Russian partnership has deepened the multipolarity. It has a transformative impact on the existing world order as both of them are determined to counter Western dominance, thus exacerbating polarization. China being a strong economic force benefits from the countries in the Global South as making them dependent on it causes hesitancy in alignment towards west.

US and Europe are trying hard to stop Russian aggression and pressuring China to exhibit clarity in taking a stance. The whole situation also has negative effect on world economy as it potentially disrupts energy supply chains, hampers trade and technological transfer. 

The Author is a Defense and Diplomatic Studies graduate who is interested in studying geopolitical events and analyzing interstate relationships.