Russia’s recent visits to China, North Korea, and Vietnam have attracted international attention due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and Moscow’s efforts to address its isolation from the West. While the visits strengthened ties with Russia’s Asian partners, the visit to China reignited discussions about the strategic partnership between China and Russia against the West.
The complex strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and the expansion of BRICS+ prevent aggressive outcomes from the China-Russia relationship.
Media often sensationalizes China-Russia relations as an emerging alliance against the West. However, the partnership is more of a tactical one where China benefits more. Strong trade ties between the two countries do not necessarily indicate a reliable friendship.
The tactical nature of the China-Russia relationship is evident as China has not made commitments like North Korea in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. China’s strategic engagement with Russia serves its own interests to counterbalance U.S. influence and promote a multipolar world order.
Russia’s relations with India and Vietnam, driven by their national security concerns regarding China, temper its engagement with China. Despite growing ties with the U.S., Russia maintains stable partnerships with India and Vietnam based on mutual respect and cooperation.
India and Vietnam maintain historical ties with Russia but ensure their partnerships with Moscow do not affect their relations with the U.S. As the conflict in Ukraine resolves, maintaining relevance in the international system is crucial for Moscow, something the China-Russia alliance may not provide.
India’s strategic autonomy and balanced international relations make it a key player in maintaining regional stability. Inclusive dialogues with Russia and other countries ensure a balanced global order, differentiating from the transactional nature of China-Russia relations.
The China-Russia partnership is often exaggerated, while the strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and BRICS+ temper any aggressive outcomes. The pragmatic relationships of Vietnam and India with Russia contrast with the dominance of China in the Sino-Russian partnership.