‘Limitless’ Sino-Russian Cooperation in the Arctic? Drivers and Barriers Shaping China and Russia’s Cooperation in the Region

Abstract

China and Russia are increasing their cooperation in the Arctic region. This article explores the drivers and barriers to Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic region by applying a neoclassical realist lens. The article finds that the key systemic driver which pushes Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic forward is the changing balance of power with the United States. Domestic drivers, including the domestic economies of China and Russia, as well as leader images of Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, play an important role. Nonetheless, China and Russia’s Arctic cooperation is not limitless despite the official proclamation by the two states of a ‘no limits' partnership. The article finds that the two key barriers to Sino-Russian cooperation in the Arctic are the regional balance of power and China’s economic interests with Western states. Furthermore, there are certain domestic constraints within the Russian Arctic stand in the way of further cooperation between the two states in the region.