Danube Institute Podcast Strategically, China does not want Russia to fall | Danube Lectures
Oct 29, 2025
George Yeo, former Singapore foreign minister and seasoned diplomat in Asian geopolitics, offers sharp takes on China-Russia ties and why Beijing prefers a stable Russia. He discusses India-China rapprochement and strategic autonomy. He examines China's posture toward Taiwan and why Southeast Asian states favor negotiation. He outlines the rising roles of SCO and BRICS in a multipolar world.
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China India Rapprochement Is Gradual Not Revolutionary
- China and India are normalising relations after sustained diplomacy rather than a sudden pivot.
- Modi's Tianjin visit followed meetings in Kazan and reflected months of careful rapprochement, not an abrupt geopolitical realignment.
China Balances Principles And Pragmatism On Ukraine
- China triangulates carefully on Ukraine balancing territorial integrity with criticism of NATO expansion.
- Beijing sustains economic ties with Russia while avoiding military exports and keeps relations with Europe and Ukraine open.
China Wants Russia To Stay A Viable Partner
- Beijing prefers a viable Russia over a defeated one because a collapsed Russia would expose China to greater Western pressure.
- China therefore supports Russia economically but avoids becoming militarily entangled.