China’s Strategic Threat Narratives: An Ideationalist Critical Security Perspective on the Russian–Ukraine War

This article examines China’s political discourse on the Russian invasion of Ukraine from February 2022 to March 2023 through an ideationalist security framework. Using securitization theory and discourse analysis, we analyzed 117 official Chinese statements. We find that China supports Russia’s securitization narrative while aligning with Western ideas when strategically beneficial. Using concepts like “Limitless Partnership” and “UN Principles,” China portrays itself as neutral while actively reshaping narratives about the global order. This dual strategy reveals China’s ideational power to reinterpret established norms, challenge its image as a desecuritizing actor, and inform debates on its international security role.