Edinburgh Research Archive

Understanding the ‘China Factor’ in the Russia-Ukraine War

Simple item page
dc.contributor.author
Alden, Chris
dc.contributor.author
Zolkina, Mariia
dc.contributor.author
Fiala, Lukas
dc.contributor.sponsor
UK International Development
en
dc.date.accessioned
2025-07-07T10:14:14Z
dc.date.available
2025-07-07T10:14:14Z
dc.date.issued
2025-07
dc.description.abstract
This paper examines the evolution of China-Ukraine relations from 1991 to April 2025, focusing on the strategic, economic, and geopolitical implications of China’s role in the context of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Traditionally centered on trade, agriculture, and strategic industries, China’s engagement with Ukraine is part of a broader effort to reshape the international order and expand Beijing’s global influence. Since 2022, China has pursued a dual-track policy—maintaining close ties with Moscow while seeking to preserve relations with Europe—leading to increasing skepticism in Kyiv. Ukraine’s early hopes for China’s constructive role in conflict resolution have faded amid evidence of economic and military support for Russia. Beijing’s diplomatic positioning, especially in multilateral forums, seeks to avoid direct criticism while appealing to the Global South. This reflects China’s competing interests: countering US dominance, encouraging European strategic autonomy, and bolstering its leadership claim among developing nations. The report argues that China’s ambiguous stance complicates Ukraine’s foreign policy and post-war planning. Key recommendations include reducing dependence on Chinese investment, strengthening European partnerships, and ensuring European leadership in any future peacekeeping or reconstruction efforts. Understanding the “China factor” is essential for shaping a stable and balanced security environment in Ukraine and Europe.
en
dc.identifier.citation
Alden, A., Zolkina, M., and Fiala, L. (2025). Understanding the ‘China Factor’ in the Russia-Ukraine War (PeaceRep Report: Global Transitions Series). PeaceRep: The Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform, University of Edinburgh
en
dc.identifier.uri
https://hdl.handle.net/1842/43639
dc.identifier.uri
http://dx.doi.org/10.7488/era/6172
dc.language.iso
en
en
dc.publisher
University of Edinburgh, LSE CCRG
en
dc.relation.ispartofseries
Global Transitions Series
en
dc.subject
Russia, China, Ukraine
en
dc.title
Understanding the ‘China Factor’ in the Russia-Ukraine War
en
dc.type
Other
en

Files

Original bundle

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Name:
Understanding-the-China-Factor-in-the-Russia-Ukraine-War-DIGITAL.pdf
Size:
2.07 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Download

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

PeaceRep Publications Database