China Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

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

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

China