China Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Beijing’s Honeypot Strategy: How China Adopts Russian Espionage Tactics in the United States

China, in the process of expanding its HUMINT (human intelligence) assets, is increasingly adopting Russian forms and methods of espionage. Recently, there has been a noticeable trend toward the active…

October 24, 2025China, Russia, USA

Geopolitics Governance

The Kremlin’s Shadow Game: SVR Exploits Rumors About Xi to Accelerate Power Shift in Russia”

The Russian leadership, represented by Patrushev and Naryshkin, is seeking to accelerate the power transition in the country by exploiting speculation about the health of the Chinese leader. The Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) of…

October 22, 2025China, Russia

- Geopolitics Warfare

Chinese Components for Russian Fiber-Optic Drones

The supply of components from China to Russia for the production of fiber-optic-controlled combat drones strengthens the Russian military in its war against Ukraine and creates a range of global risks for the…

October 14, 2025China, Russia, USA

Conflict National Security

Russia Circumvents Sanctions Through Chinese Marketplaces

Despite sweeping international sanctions, Russia continues to secure critical equipment for its defense industry by exploiting alternative supply channels. A growing share of this trade flows through Chinese e-commerce platforms,…

August 20, 2025China, Russia, Sanctions

Geopolitics

China and the European Union: The End of Strategic Ambiguity

China’s attempt to maintain a dual posture—supporting authoritarian regimes while seeking deep economic and technological ties with the European Union—is becoming unsustainable. The EU's evolving foreign policy stance, driven by…

July 24, 2025China, EU

Intelligence ops

Espionage and Distrust Between Russia and Iran — A Comparative Analysis with Chinese Intelligence Activities in Russia

While Russia and Iran publicly portray themselves as strategic partners—especially in shared theaters like Syria—their relationship is characterized by a deep undercurrent of mistrust, particularly in intelligence and security domains. Both…

July 18, 2025China, Iran, Russia

Geopolitics National Security

China’s Expanding Influence in the Balkans: Strategic Implications of Military Cooperation with Serbia

China's growing footprint in the Balkans has shifted from economic investments to deeper political and military engagement. A recent announcement that Serbian forces will participate in joint military drills on Chinese…

July 17, 2025China, Serbia

Democracy Geopolitics National Security

Russia’s Deepening Ties with North Korea: Strategic Axis or Tactical Convergence?

As Russia intensifies cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), a new geopolitical triangle with China emerges, altering the strategic calculus in Northeast Asia. While Moscow seeks arms,…

July 14, 2025China, DPRK, Russia

Geopolitics National Security Warfare

China Assists Russia in Gunpowder Production for War against Ukraine

Despite declaring neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, Beijing continues to contribute to the development of Russia’s military capabilities. China is stepping up its scientific and technological partnership with Russia. In…

July 14, 2025China, Russia, Ukraine

Propaganda and Disinformation

Whispers in the East: Why Russia Spreads Disinformation About Xi Jinping’s Health — Actors, Motives, and Strategic Intent

Claims: Several Russian-language outlets and Telegram channels have circulated rumors suggesting Xi suffered a stroke or is battling cancer, citing absence from key meetings, physical changes, and unverified insider tips Timing: These rumors…

June 27, 2025China, Russia

China