The Chinese Position in the Russian-Ukrainian Crisis 2022: between Strategic Partnership and Political Pragmatism

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigates China's stance on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis post-February 2022. Amid global anticipation for China's response, considering its alliance with Russia and historical rivalry with the U.S. and NATO, China has displayed a measured and balanced approach. The study seeks to elucidate key internal and external factors influencing China's position and analyze the opportunities and challenges presented by this crisis.

Methods: The study has adopted the analytical and the national interest approaches to clarify aspects of the Chinese position on the crisis by analyzing the nature of the internal and international environment that affected the Chinese decision toward this crisis. These approaches were used to analyze the nature of Chinese interests that Chinese foreign policy seeks to preserve through rational employment of its energies and capabilities to achieve its national interests in the first place.

Results: The findings showed that the internal and external determinants had an important role in shaping the Chinese position, where China was able to reconcile support for its strategic and traditional alliances with Russia and positive neutrality in favor of its pragmatic tendencies in preserving its interests with the Western countries. It took a cautious stance that takes into account its strategic partnership with Russia on the one hand, and its various national interests with the United States and European countries, on the other.

Conclusions: China was able to employ this crisis to reap many political and economic gains and avoid many negative outcomes that could have affected China's regional and global ambitions.