USCC New Report: Beijing Has Become an Indispensable Partner for Moscow

File Photo: Putin and Xi Jinping Posing for a Photograph

[People News] The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) published a fact sheet on Thursday (August 20) concerning the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Russia. The report indicates that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the CCP has become an "essential" partner for Russia. The CCP is leveraging this dependency to gain a lasting advantage without the obligations of a formal alliance.

As reported by Voice of America, the USCC's "introductory overview" of China-Russia relations, authored by policy experts from the commission, highlights that the China-Russia partnership has emerged as a core pillar of a growing synergy among authoritarian regimes.

The report claims that the CCP has become a "decisive external enabler" for Russia in its war against Ukraine. It notes that the CCP's oil purchases provide crucial financial support to the Russian government, and despite Western export controls on dual-use items from China and Hong Kong, Russia's weapons programs have been sustained. Additionally, the fact sheet cites reports indicating that the CCP has supplied satellite imagery to Russia for target identification and has trained Russian personnel in drone operations. The CCP's diplomatic backing has offered Moscow cover to continue its military efforts in Ukraine.

Another significant conclusion from this fact sheet is that while the China-Russia partnership has reached unprecedented levels, the relationship remains one of strategic coordination rather than mutual trust, and the limitations of this relationship continue to exist.

The report highlights that Beijing is not merely supporting Russia; rather, it is converting Moscow's dependence into a sustainable military, technological, economic, and geopolitical advantage while steering clear of formal alliance commitments. The Chinese Communist Party is capitalizing on Russia's reliance on its support to secure discounted energy, acquire advanced military technology, and learn from the experiences on the battlefield in Ukraine.

According to the fact sheet, the China-Russia relationship forms the backbone of an informal 'authoritarian axis' aimed at diminishing U.S. influence, challenging the current international order, and enhancing the regional and global power of authoritarian regimes.

The report indicates that following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the 'unlimited' partnership between China and Russia has become 'essential' for Moscow. The Chinese Communist Party has emerged as a crucial lifeline for Russia, which is facing international sanctions, in both economic and political spheres. To sustain its war efforts, Moscow is heavily reliant on Beijing across various sectors, including trade, energy, finance, and defense-related supply chains.

The report details the collaborative relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and Russia in areas such as international diplomacy, sanctions evasion, technological cooperation, and arms production.

Nonetheless, the report also notes that this relationship is fraught with 'frictions and limitations.' These include Russia's dissatisfaction with its 'junior partner' status, divergences in nuclear weapons usage policies, and the growing security cooperation between Russia and North Korea, which has emerged as a new point of contention between China and Russia. Additionally, long-standing intelligence and security concerns have hindered mutual trust between Beijing and Moscow, while their competing regional ambitions continue to limit their integration.

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is a congressional committee that was established in October 2000. Its duties include monitoring and investigating the effects of economic and trade relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China on national security, reporting findings to Congress, and making timely recommendations for legislative and administrative actions.△