Arctic Geopolitics, Security, and Governance
Article
from Polar Geography

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

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin
Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk to each other during their meeting in Beijing, China, Feb. 4, 2022. Xi has reasserted his country's support for Russia on "issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security," in a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, June 15, 2022.

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.

Recommended citation

Hauksdóttir, Guðbjörg Ríkey Th. and Baldur Thorhallsson. “‘Limitless’ Sino-Russian Cooperation in the Arctic? Drivers and Barriers Shaping China and Russia’s Cooperation in the Region.” Polar Geography, March 18, 2025

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Author

Baldur Thorhallsson