Why subscribe?
The China-Russia Report (CRR) is an independent, nonpartisan newsletter that provides original analysis of political, economic, energy, and security developments between the People’s Republic of China and Russia. Drawing from authoritative Chinese-language sources and trade data, CRR often identifies inflection points in the bilateral relationship before they reach mainstream coverage.
While retaining a focus on China-Russia relations, the newsletter occasionally conducts national security-focused analyses of issues that shape the great power competition, such as artificial intelligence and technology.
CRR analysis has informed reporting for the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and the Telegraph; provided early public indications of the PRC’s extensive support for Russia’s defense industrial base; and documented Beijing’s strategy to institutionalize ties with Moscow following the 2023 Prigozhin mutiny.
Where to start?
Below are some foundational analyses from the CRR.
Beijing’s role in fortifying Russia’s front lines. This analysis from August 2023 helped inform an analysis for the Wall Street Journal about how the PRC’s provision of excavators and front-end shovel loaders helped Russian forces build the Surovikin Line of defensive fortifications ahead of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
China’s Russia Strategy After the Xi–Putin Meeting: Depersonalize, Institutionalize, Insulate
This May 2025 edition shows how shifting rhetorical emphases reflects Beijing’s broader effort to depersonalize the relationship and reduce reliance on Putin by highlighting societal links.
Xi aims to institutionalize bilateral ties “between our countries and peoples.” This July 2023 edition reported how Beijing first began attempting to institutionalize ties and de-personalize China-Russia relations in the wake of the Prigozhin mutiny.
Attempting a “reverse Kissinger” will fail. This February 2025 analysis explains that while ties between Beijing and Moscow do not amount to a partnership “without limits,” they are nevertheless closely bound to one another. No amount of personal charisma can disentangle the deep ties between China and Russia.
A short history of China-Russia relations since November 2021. This September 2023 post charts how Beijing and Moscow interacted in three phases: pre-invasion, the immediate aftermath, and semi-overt support.
Want to get in touch?
The CRR occasionally publishes analysis from leading experts in the field or from researchers presenting novel findings. To pitch the CRR, or reach out, email ChinaRussiaReport@Gmail.com or message me on LinkedIn.
