China‐Russia Partnership: An Axis of Revisionism?

ABSTRACT I examine the changing nature and characteristics of China‐Russia partnership in the context of their escalating rivalries with the US, using the two‐level explanatory framework. This article begins with an investigation of the causal impact of the shifting global power balance on China‐Russia relations at system‐level level, followed by an analysis of various domestic factors that shape the two revisionist powersʼ individual strategic behaviours at unit‐level level. I scrutinise three cases of Russia and Chinaʼs responses to external pressures, 2014–2018, 2018–2022, and 2022–2024. I demonstrate how Russiaʼs reduced room for manoeuvre led to making concessions towards China in such areas as energy and security, ultimately strengthening the ties between the two states. In turn, Moscowʼs lack of capabilities prevented it from supporting China in the areas of economic and technological competition with the US. I also briefly discuss the impact of Trumpʼs initial policy moves for the Sino‐Russian relationship.