Sino-Russian “Friendship”– limited in Scope?

In cooperation with the Asia Club and the SPF, foraus St.Gallen would like to have a look at the Sino-Russian relations, after the invasion of Ukraine.

Under Xi, China has forged ever closer ties with Russia. However, ever since Putin has invaded Ukraine, Beijing has walked a diplomatic tightrope. Whereas the PRC at times appears to distance itself from Moscow, it maintains its strong economic ties and upholds their “no limits friendship”. Thus, Beijing has refused outright criticism of the Kremlin ́s invasion and even is cautious about using the word “war” out of sympathy with Russia ́s position and its dislike seeing the U.S. strengthening its alliances in response to the conflict.

At the recent G20 in Bali, a summit strongly dominated by the Ukrainian war and its implications for the world economy, Emmanuel Macron said he believed China could take a mediating role in the conflict. Is the PRC able to pursue its vague dual approach, facing the emerging pressure of the international community? And how committed are China and Russia to their strategic partnership? Is the Sino-Russian relationship limited to the mutual interest of accelerating the emergence of a multipolar order that challenges the U.S. hegemony, or are they willing to incur costs for the other?

These topics will be debated in a discussion panel with our panelists:

• Brian G. Carlson (Head of Global Security Team of the Think Tank at the CSS at ETH Zürich)
• Ulrich Schmid (Professor of Slavic Studies at HSG)

The discussion will be moderated by Elisa Cadelli, who is the co-head of foraus Asia-Programme. We are looking forward to seeing you at the event!