Where are Russia–China energy relations headed? A regime analysis

ABSTRACTRecent analyses of the relations between Russia and China over the issue of energy have principally focused on the influence of exogenous forces, but have seldom addressed the intrinsic motivations that have shaped this energy partnership from within. This article argues that this oversight can be remedied through an analysis of the regime that gives prominence to the internal interactions of relevant stakeholders. By examining the three constituent elements of this energy partnership – interest articulation, negotiation mechanisms, and mutual recognition – this article argues that developments of relevant internal factors are generating cohesive forces that strengthen the partnership from within, thereby fleshing out a resilient energy regime that is becoming self-sustaining and even self-reinforcing. In addition to shedding novel light on the nature of the Russia–China energy partnership, a regime analysis provides valuable insights into its future trajectory.KEYWORDS: Sino–Russian energy relationsenergy diplomacyenergy politicsregimeRussiaChina AcknowledgementsI thank the two referees for their insightful comments and suggestions. I am also very grateful to Professor Craig Young and the handling editor for their precious comments and encouragement. I would also like to express my gratitude to Xiner Jiang and Xinlin Yang for collecting relevant materials.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.Additional informationFundingThis research was supported by National Social Science Fund of China (Grant No. 16CZZ034).