ChinaPower Russian Elite Perceptions of China: A Conversation with Witold Rodkiewicz
Mar 12, 2026
Witold Rodkiewicz, Senior Fellow in the Russian Department at the Centre for East European Studies, unpacks how Russian elites view China’s rise and the US‑China rivalry. He discusses China’s rapid economic inroads in Russia, Moscow’s pragmatic acceptance of Chinese preponderance, efforts to shape public attitudes, and how US policy might influence Russia’s strategic calculations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Rapid Economic Dependence Revealed By Chinese Cars
- Russia's economy became rapidly dependent on China after the war, with Chinese cars replacing Western brands almost overnight.
- Automotive sales shifted to ~80% Chinese models, a visible sign that China could immediately fill Western market gaps in Russia.
Partnership Served As Russia's Strategic Rear Guard
- The China–Russia strategic partnership achieved its designed purpose: protecting Russia's rear so it could pursue revision of the post–Cold War order in Europe.
- Russian elites view the partnership as a 'back-to' relationship enabling confrontation with the West.
Russia Sees China As Lesser Evil For Regime Security
- Russian elites prefer managing relations with China to avoid fighting on two fronts, seeing China as a 'lesser evil' that won't interfere in regime survival.
- This calculus prioritizes regime security over cultural affinity, leading elites to accept asymmetry.