Understanding China-Russia Relations - Philip Snow | Ep. 6 (2026)

Understanding China-Russia Relations - Philip Snow | Ep. 6 (2026)

From The IR thinker by Martin Zubko

March 30, 2026 · 50 min · Season 2026 · Episode 6

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with historian Philip Snow on the historical and contemporary dynamics of China-Russia relations.

This episode features a conversation with the historian Philip Snow on the evolution of relations between Russia and China. Drawing on archival research, the discussion traces the relationship from the early border settlements at Nerchinsk and Kyakhta to contemporary geopolitical and economic cooperation, highlighting how frontier regions such as Manchuria, Mongolia, and Xinjiang have shaped interaction between the two powers. The interview examines key turning points, including the Sino-Soviet split, as well as structural constraints (geography, distance, and technology) that have historically limited escalation along the border. It also explores post-Soviet asymmetries, energy interdependence, and projects such as Power of Siberia 2. Finally, the conversation considers the implications of contemporary Sino-Russian alignment, addressing their views on multipolar order, persistent frictions in the Russian Far East, and China’s potential capacity to lead globally without Russia. Philip Snow Philip Snow has been travelling in Russia and China since the 1960s, and has spent nearly two decades researching what is arguably the most consequential bailateral relationship of our era…

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