Marriage of Convenience: Russia-China Relations

Constrained but cordial, cooperative but competitive, prickly yet robust – the relationship between Russia and China … well, it’s complicated.

The giant neighbours fell out dramatically during the Cold War, patched things up under Gorbachev and Deng and are now pursuing what is cautiously described as a ‘special relationship’. It’s not a traditional strategic alliance, but the two countries have many mutual interests relating to trade and energy, ideas around national sovereignty and, of course, the desire to challenge America’s waning hegemony and shift the global power dynamic. Naturally, there are tensions too – especially over influence in central Asia.

For this Fifth Estate discussion, Sally Warhaft will be joined by diplomat and memoirist Tony Kevin and scholar and author Bobo Lo. The three will talk geopolitics, security, trade and 21st Century power plays.

This event will not proceed as planned. The next Fifth Estate will be on Wednesday 26 April; keep an eye on this website (or better, our newsletter) for details. We apologise for the inconvenience.