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«IZVESTIYA IRKUTSKOGO GOSUDARSTVENNOGO UNIVERSITETA». SERIYA «POLITOLOGIYA. RELIGIOVEDENIE»
«THE BULLETIN OF IRKUTSK STATE UNIVERSITY». SERIES «POLITICAL SCIENCE AND RELIGION STUDIES»
ISSN 2073-3380 (Print)

List of issues > Series «Political Science and Religion Studies». 2026. Vol 55

Evolution and Development Trends of Russian–Chinese Relations in the 21st Century

Author(s)

Cao Yi, A. A. Kerimov

Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation

Abstract
The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of Russian-Chinese relations at the present stage, which represent an important element of international politics and economics. Special attention is paid to the stages of development of interstate relations. The study shows that the partnership between Russia and China has gone from cautious pragmatic cooperation to the formation of a sustainable strategic alliance covering a wide range of areas – from economics and energy to military-political and humanitarian cooperation. The article emphasizes that the evolution of Russian-Chinese relations is a dynamic process of adaptation to global challenges based on the convergence of foreign policy goals, mutual support and common interests in building a multipolar world. The authors analyze how external sanctions and internal reforms stimulated the rapprochement between the two countries. Special attention is paid to the coordination of actions in international organizations and the formation of an alternative model of the world order. The role of cultural exchanges in building trust is considered. The analysis is based on official statistics, intergovernmental agreements, and scientific publications by leading experts. The study suggests that the further development of the Russian-Chinese partnership will be aimed at strengthening financial and technological autonomy, developing joint platforms and maintaining trust in the face of global turbulence.
About the Authors

Cao Yi Postgraduate, Department of Political Sciences Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin 19, Mir st., Ekaterinburg, 620000, Russian Federation e-mail: collins0317219@qq.com 

Kerimov Alexander Alievich Doctor of Political Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Political Sciences Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin 19, Mir st., Ekaterinburg, 620000, Russian Federation e-mail: kerimov68@mail.ru  

For citation
Cao Yi, Kerimov A.A. Evolution and Development Trends of Russian-Chinese Relations in the 21st Century. The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Political Science and Religion Studies, 2026, vol. 55, pp. 59-68. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3380.2026.55.59 (in Russian)
Keywords
Russian–Chinese relations, strategic partnership, foreign policy, energy, humanitarian cooperation, institutionalization, “soft power”.
UDC
327
DOI
https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3380.2026.55.59
References
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