The Sino-Russian partnership after Prigozhin’s mutiny: the view from Beijing

In this issue, senior fellows Michael Clarke and Matthew Sussex consider how the events of the 24 June 2023, which saw Wagner forces led by Yevgeny Prigozhin mutiny and march toward Moscow, may be perceived in China. Does its war in Ukraine and this challenge to Putin’s authority make Russia a less useful partner in Beijing’s view?

The official Chinese response to events in Russia has been muted. However, the authors suggest it has been interesting to see how Chinese state media reporting has put a positive spin on Putin’s role in neutralising this threat to his grip on power and deployed language that highlights China’s preferred framing of anti-regime actions.

Authors