China's influence poses a threat to Russia itself – even the leaders of the Soviet Union avoided working so closely with Beijing. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation is gradually surrendering its sovereignty to China, which may sooner or later completely dominate it.
Lithuanian diplomat Zygimantas Pavilionis, chairman of the UNITED4UKRAINE initiative and vice-chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament, spoke about this situation on Espreso and Slawa.TV.
— If we look at the current war between Russia and Ukraine, we will see that it is a new type of conflict: a war based on modern technologies, automation and robotics. This is essentially a war of the future, a war of minds and innovations. Today, Ukraine uses the most advanced technologies of the European Union, and the most powerful Western countries are investing in the development of its industry and technological base, the diplomat said.
Russia, on the other hand, is becoming more and more dependent on China and other radical countries, such as Iran, which itself is currently in a deep crisis. This is the direction of change – in my opinion – that will also dominate in the future
– he emphasized.
“Putin gives his country to China”
According to Pavilionis, countries that Russia considers its allies are experiencing serious crises, including Venezuela, Iran and Cuba. In his opinion, even China may face serious problems in the future.
As he pointed out, Russia remains mentally rooted in the past, while Ukraine is increasingly moving towards the future.
If you look at it from a longer strategic perspective, Ukraine is already winning today – also thanks to the sanctions imposed on Russia. Of course, sanctions do not bring immediate results, but their effects are long-term and systematically weaken the Russian economy
Pavilionis said.
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The Lithuanian diplomat also emphasized that increasingly stronger economic and political ties between Moscow and Beijing may prove to be very risky for Russia in the long run.
At the same time, China's growing influence in Russia is very dangerous for Russia itself. Even the leaders of the Soviet Union tried to avoid such deep dependence on Beijing. Meanwhile, Putin gives his country to China
– he said.
Will Russia face the Chinese scenario?
The diplomat also cited conversations with American partners, which – as he noted – show how some Western politicians and analysts are beginning to perceive Russia's future in the context of China's growing influence.
I recently talked to Americans and something very interesting caught my attention: when they look at the map of Russian territory, they increasingly see it not as Russia, but as China's future sphere of influence. In their imagination, in the future, Russia may disappear as an independent player, and its territory will become part of China's space of influence.
Pavilionis said.
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in Moscow, May 9, 2025.Contributor / Contributor / Getty Images
Russia's growing dependence on Beijing may in the future cover not only the Russian state itself, but also countries in its immediate sphere of influence.
For some, even Belarus appears to be an area that will be in China's sphere of influence in the future. Russia is surrendering its sovereignty to China – and may eventually be completely “swallowed” by it. Meanwhile, Ukraine will become part of the European Union and NATO
– emphasized Zygimantas Pavilionis.
Chinese economic expansion
Recently, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reported that last year, Chinese citizens were the founders of every fifth new Internet company established in Russia.
According to these data, the share of Chinese capital in the Russian digital sector is clearly growing, which shows the increasingly stronger presence of entrepreneurs from the Middle Kingdom on the Russian market.
At the same time, the number of Chinese enterprises operating in Russia increased by as much as 2.4 times during the year, which – according to analysts – may indicate deepening economic cooperation between Moscow and Beijing and the growing dependence of the Russian economy on partners from Asia.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
