China Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

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

Geopolitics Intelligence ops

Bear Meets Dragon: The Escalating Espionage Rivalry Between Russia and China

Despite their strategic “no limits” partnership, intelligence leaks show deep mistrust between Moscow and Beijing. A recent New York Times–cited report revealed internal Russian warnings that Chinese intelligence is actively targeting…

June 9, 2025China, Russia

Energy Geoeconomics

Kazakhstan’s Pivot to China for Nuclear Power: Strategic Choice and Geopolitical Signal

Kazakhstan's decision in 2025 to select a Chinese company over Russia's Rosatom to build its first nuclear power plant marks a pivotal moment in Central Asian energy geopolitics. This move carries…

May 30, 2025China, Kazakhstan, Russia

Intelligence ops

Russia Exploits the IAEA to Steal Chinese Nuclear Technology

The Kremlin has institutionalized a vast effort to expropriate Chinese nuclear technologies under the guise of international cooperation. This policy, sanctioned at the highest political level, involves diplomats, intelligence operatives,…

May 29, 2025Austria, China, Rosatom, Russia, SVR

Intelligence ops National Security

Eyes in the Dark: Russia’s Hacking of Border Surveillance Cameras in EU States – Strategic Goals and Threats to NATO

In the evolving theater of hybrid warfare, cyber espionage has become a key instrument of state power. Recent reports and security assessments indicate a disturbing trend: Russian state-linked hackers have increasingly…

May 22, 2025China, EU, GRU, NATO, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics Warfare

After the Guns Fall Silent: Strategic Implications of the India–Pakistan War

The recent war between India and Pakistan—though short in duration—has left behind a complex legacy. While active hostilities have ceased under international pressure, particularly from the United States and China, the…

May 15, 2025China, India, Pakistan

Geopolitics

Strategic Silence: China’s Support for a Ceasefire in Ukraine and Its Geopolitical Calculations

Beijing's growing diplomatic engagement around the war in Ukraine, particularly its advocacy for a ceasefire, has raised significant questions regarding its strategic motives and the broader geopolitical consequences. While China presents…

May 12, 2025China, Russia, Ukraine, USA

Corruption Democracy Geoeconomics Geopolitics

Hungary’s Balancing Act: Strategic Risks of Budapest’s Covert Ties with Russia

Hungary under Viktor Orbán has become a geopolitical pivot point where Russian oil money, Chinese strategic investments, and American capital intersect. This convergence presents serious risks to both the European…

May 2, 2025China, Hungary, Russia, USA

Conflict Geopolitics National Security

China’s Declared Neutrality vs. De Facto Involvement in the Russia-Ukraine War

Despite officially claiming neutrality, China is in practice a key enabler of Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. Through massive exports of critical dual-use materials like nitrocellulose — vital for ammunition…

April 28, 2025China, Russia, Ukraine

Geopolitics National Security Terrorism

Russia’s Recognition of the Taliban: Strategic Defiance in a New Great Game

In April 2025, Russia became the first major global power to take decisive steps toward formal recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, breaking with Western efforts to isolate the Islamist government. Though…

April 18, 2025Afghanistan, China, Russia, Taliban, USA

China