China views Russia with suspicion and wariness regarding excessive Russian dependence; China prefers Russia to remain somewhat dependent but not become a complete basket case, because total Russian dependence would make Russia China's problem to manage and sustain.

causalpending

Speaker

Stephen Kotkin

Evidence Quote

China is wary of excessive Russian dependence on China...if it's a basket case, it's then your basket case.

Source

Stephen Kotkin: Russia’s Murky Future | Foreign Affairs InterviewForeign Affairs
Created: 8/12/2026, 10:22:55 PM

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