The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
The UK can’t break off critical mineral links with China. But it can understand its vulnerabilities
English Summary
The UK cannot afford a total decoupling from China's critical mineral supply chains, as the economy relies heavily on China for market access and financing, particularly in the private mining sector. Rather than pursuing separation, the UK must adopt a nuanced strategy that acknowledges genuine vulnerabilities while maintaining constructive engagement. Policy recommendations center on mitigating risk through clear guidelines, such as limiting Chinese influence on the corporate governance of UK-listed mining firms and establishing robust protections for commercially sensitive data in shared infrastructure. This approach allows the UK to manage geopolitical risks without sacrificing vital economic ties.
中文摘要
英國無法承受與中國關鍵礦物供應鏈完全脫鉤的風險，因為其經濟在市場准入和融資方面，特別是在私營採礦部門，高度依賴中國。因此，英國不應追求分離，而必須採取一種細膩的策略：在承認實際的脆弱性的同時，維持建設性的參與。政策建議的核心是透過明確的指導方針來減輕風險，例如限制中國對在英國上市的礦業公司公司治理的影響，並為共享基礎設施中的商業敏感數據建立強健的保護機制。這種方法使英國能夠在不犧牲關鍵經濟聯繫的前提下，管理地緣政治風險。
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