RUSSIA–CHINA COOPERATION SINCE 2022: PROSPECTS AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Since Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine in 2022, Russia–China relations have become a focal point of international scholarly attention. This study seeks to examine how bilateral cooperation between the two powers has evolved, what factors sustain and shape it, and what implications it holds for regional actors, particularly Vietnam. Using a qualitative and comparative analytical approach based on secondary sources and official data from 2022 – 2025, the paper explores Russia–China cooperation across key domains – strategic, economic, and military–security – as well as their multilateral coordination within BRICS and the SCO. The findings suggest that while the partnership has deepened amid shared strategic interests and Western sanctions, structural asymmetries persist, with China increasingly dominant in the relationship. For Vietnam, the paper argues that a hedging strategy, soft balancing, and multilateral engagement are essential to maximize opportunities while mitigating potential risks in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.