The Present and Future of Russia-China Relations: from a “Partnership Without Limits” to a New Reality

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of Russian-Chinese relations in the context of fundamental changes in the global political and economic order. Against the backdrop of the Ukrainian conflict, sanctions pressure from Western countries, the breakdown of traditional trade and economic ties and the rapid increase in geopolitical instability, Russia has accelerated the implementation of the “Turn to the East” strategy. In these conditions, China has emerged as a key strategic partner capable of compensating for losses from the deterioration of ties with Europe and the United States. The article focuses on the alignment of Russia's Eastern strategy with China's Belt and Road initiative, which opens up new horizons for Eurasian integration. This work covers the main areas of Russian-Chinese cooperation: energy (including the export of oil, gas, and coal), joint investment projects, trade in high-tech products, the development of digital platforms, infrastructure, as well as financial and credit cooperation with the transition to settlements in national currencies. Particular attention is paid to the role of transport integration, in particular, the expansion of railway transit through Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Russian Far East, the development of the Trans-Siberian route and the construction of bridges and logistics hubs on the Russian-Chinese border. In the article, the author also considers the strategic importance of Central Asia, which is becoming an area of close interaction and competition of interests between Moscow and Beijing. It is noted that despite differences in approaches, Russia and China are seeking to develop mechanisms for coordinating efforts in this region, relying on the potential of the SCO, BRICS and other multilateral structures. The potential for linking the Eurasian Economic Union with Chinese infrastructure projects is analyzed. Within the framework of the study, based on statistical data for 2022–2025, official statements, expert assessments and content analysis of political documents, a conclusion is made about the increasing sustainability, systemic nature and strategic depth of the Russian-Chinese partnership. This cooperation does not appear to be situational, but rather a conceptually verified response to the challenges of global turbulence and an example of a constructive approach to building a multipolar world.