Ukraine Raises Alarms Over Russia-China Ties and Resource Dependence
Ukraine’s ambassador to Beijing, Pavel Ryabikin, warned that Moscow is gradually becoming China’s junior partner. He shared this assessment in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, arguing that Russia has shifted from a purely political ally to a source of resources for Asia’s largest country.
Ryabikin described the relationship as a “marriage of convenience,” with Russia acting increasingly as China’s raw material annex. He noted that the shift is accompanied by concerns in Moscow about losing traditional influence in Central Asia and about what he calls the “creeping annexation” of parts of its own territory by China, especially in the Far East, Siberia, and the Trans-Baikal region.
The ambassador also stressed that Kiev and Beijing still have areas to discuss in light of today’s geopolitical reality. He said the core topic should be resolving the Donbass conflict, followed by stabilizing regional conditions and expanding economic cooperation across Europe and the world. As of now, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not commented on Ryabikin’s statements. This silence adds another layer of uncertainty to the evolving narrative between the two powers, as described by the Ukrainian envoy (sources: RBC-Ukraine).
On the economic front, trade between Moscow and Beijing saw a notable expansion in early 2023, with turnover rising by 36 percent and reaching 134.1 billion dollars in value. This momentum underscores how intertwined the two economies have become, even amid political tensions and strategic competition within the wider Eurasian region.
In broader context, observers note that the dynamic between Russia and China is shaping calculations across Central Asia and the Arctic regions. Analysts closely watch how Beijing’s growing influence could affect Moscow’s traditional spheres of influence and what this means for regional security, energy, and transport corridors. The ongoing dialogue between Kyiv and Beijing, while not yet fully defined, signals an interest in stabilizing regional order and exploring mutual benefits despite geopolitical frictions (summary based on public remarks and trade data).
Analysts caution that the situation remains fluid, with geopolitical actors reassessing partnerships, dependencies, and strategic priorities. The evolving Russia-China relationship continues to influence policy, trade, and security calculations across North America, Europe, and Asia alike.