Partners or Rivals? Areas of Convergence and Divergence of Interests in the Indo-Pacific
Foreign Policy Research Institute
“The current pattern of China-Russia economic cooperation also shapes mutual perceptions. China increasingly views Russia primarily as an energy supplier, while Russia struggles to adjust to this role. This shift stirs deep-rooted anxieties in Russian society, where China is often seen as a threat. Outside the military-industrial sector, Russia is less perceived as a source of innovation and more as a provider of raw materials and a market for Chinese goods—a stark contrast to two decades ago, when Russia led China in many development indicators. This perceived decline fuels public unease, prompting calls to protect domestic markets from Chinese economic influence and resist becoming a mere resource appendage. These sentiments strain the broader climate of China-Russia economic and strategic relations.”
“These divergences hinder joint China-Russia initiatives and strain their bilateral relationship. Notable examples include stalled negotiations on integrating the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s reluctance to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) between China and the EEU—despite having signed one with Vietnam and launching FTA talks with Indonesia in late 2022. This disparity frustrates China and fosters mistrust, even as both governments have recently taken steps—such as easing trade regulations in non-energy sectors—to counter these tensions.”