The Yin and Yang of Russia’s Image in China: Netizen Discourse and Real-Life Implications

This study examines how Chinese online narratives frame Russia and its war in Ukraine, showing how these sustain, complicate, or undermine the partnership of the two countries.

It highlights three broad categories of narratives: positive, pragmatic, and negative. These narratives interact in contradictory ways, reflecting both popular opinion and the strategic calculations of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

• Positive narratives depict Russia as a fellow victim of western aggression, an inevitable victor, and a natural great power.
• Pragmatic narratives are less emotionally invested in Russia’s success, instead stressing China’s strategic interests.
• Negative narratives recall Russia’s colonial legacy, painting it as greedy, arrogant, untrustworthy, or militarily weak.

The coexistence of these narratives generates contradictory public opinions. Sympathy for Russia as a fellow victim coexists with anger at its colonial past, admiration for its resilience sits alongside mockery of its military failures, and strategic pragmatism tempers both support and hostility. This ambivalence reflects not only the diversity of Chinese society but also the CCP’s deliberate management of the “Russia question.” The CCP appears to tolerate some degree of critical sentiment on Russia, consistent with the united front work logic: Antagonism with the United States takes priority, while disputes with Russia are deferred until later. Yet this balancing act is fragile, as economic pressures and intensifying nationalism could bring anti-Russian narratives to the forefront earlier than intended, especially if public demand for recovering “lost territories” grows louder.

The report concludes that Sino-Russian emotional resonance is neither secure nor stable, but an emotional battleground requiring constant refurbishment. The CCP must carefully manage public opinion to prevent nationalism from undermining its strategic partnership with Moscow, while avoiding the impression of betraying long-standing historical grievances. Much, however, lies beyond Beijing’s control.

For external actors, this instability offers potential leverage. By amplifying Chinese grievances over Russia’s colonial past and highlighting contradictions in public opinion, western powers could weaken the no-limits partnership between Beijing and Moscow.