China-Russia Strategy Group in Stockholm

On January 26-27, 2026, SCEEUS, in cooperation with partners from NKK, MERICS, and OSW, hosted the first meeting of the China-Russia Strategy Group in Stockholm. The roundtable convened European stakeholders from government and EU institutions, research institutes, and academia, bringing together expertise on Russia, China, European and transatlantic security, foreign policy, and political economy.

Across four moderated sessions, participants examined long-term trends and recent developments in China-Russia relations, assessing what the deepening partnership implies for Europe’s security and policy choices. Discussions also addressed how shifts in U.S. foreign policy may influence Beijing’s and Moscow’s strategic calculations and their coordination. Participants explored the economic foundations of the partnership, including trade, energy, sanctions-related dynamics, and the growing asymmetry between the two countries, as well as the implications of China’s role for Russia’s ability to sustain its war against Ukraine. The group further examined the trajectory of military and information cooperation between Russia and China.

Throughout the discussions, particular attention was paid to the European perspective, focusing on how Europe can assess strategic risks, strengthen policy coordination, and navigate the longer-term prospects of relations with both Russia and China.

In addition, the China-Russia Dashboard proved valuable in supporting a clearer understanding of Russia-China relations during the discussions and beyond.