Russia-China Relations in the 21st Century: A Strategic Partnership to Counter United States Hegemony

• ANAMIKA

  University of Lucknow

The Russia–China relationship has evolved from a historically complex and often distrustful bilateral relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership with significant implications for the contemporary international order. This article examines the transformation of Russia– China relations in the twenty-first century and analyses whether their expanding cooperation represents a durable strategic alignment aimed at challenging United States primacy or remains a pragmatic partnership constrained by divergent interests and growing asymmetry. Drawing on structural realism, power transition theory, constructivism, and neoclassical realism, the study conceptualises the partnership as a multidimensional form of strategic alignment shaped by systemic power competition, shared normative orientations, and domestic political considerations. The article argues that Russia–China relations are best understood as a flexible, asymmetric and counter-hegemonic strategic alignment rather than a conventional military alliance. Its durability will depend on the ability of both powers to manage asymmetry and divergent interests while sustaining their shared commitment to greater strategic autonomy and a more multipolar international order. The analysis focuses on economic interdependence, energy cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, financial dedollarisation, defence-technical cooperation, arms transfers, joint military exercises, security dialogues, and coordination through institutions such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The findings suggest that Russia and China have developed substantial mechanisms of hard and soft balancing, contributing to the diffusion of power and the strengthening of multipolar tendencies in global politics. However, the partnership is not equivalent to a formal alliance. Increasing Chinese economic and technological predominance, Russia’s growing dependence on Chinese markets and dual-use technologies, and differences in regional interests constrain deeper institutional integration

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