Chinese Strategic Relations and Diplomatization in the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict: Securitizing Geopolitical and Economic Interests

Abstract

Since Ukraine’s secession from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and subsequent declaration of its independence more than three decades ago, Russia’s stance toward the former Soviet republic has always been one of non-recognition, territorial encroachment, political intervention, and a policy of low-intensity conflict. The Russian military actions in Ukraine have become the most serious conflict in Europe after the Second World War. The crisis in Ukraine further presented a significant strategic challenge to the Chinese leadership in global politics. The international community has likewise turned to the Chinese doorstep as many perceived its behavior as the reflection of what they call the “China’s dilemma” in the on-going crisis. Within this premise, this paper looks into China’s strategic diplomatization in securitizing and balancing its geopolitical and economic interests.

Keywords

• russia-ukraine conflict
• chinese diplomacy
• chinese foreign relations
• ukraine crisis