China Prepares a Plan for the Russian Far East: What is Known About Analysts' Scenarios.

According to ТСН: In China, there is an active discussion on a potential scenario for appropriating the resource-rich region in the event of the collapse of the Russian Federation. A popular Chinese portal, NetEase, has published an article describing how the Russian Far East might be annexed by the People's Republic of China.

Resources of the Far East

The article notes that this Russian region, covering an area of 7 million square kilometers, is extremely rich in gold, diamonds, and oil, and it "cannot be lost". Analysts emphasize the economic and military weakness of Russia, which is unable to maintain control over the Far East.

"Currently, the Russian economy is in critical condition: its GDP is even inferior to that of a single Chinese provincial region, and inflation is rapidly increasing. The war in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2022, with main army forces redeployed to the west, and there are fewer than 50,000 military personnel left in the Far East — effectively an empty shell," the article states.

Non-Violence Strategy

The authors of the publication dismiss the possibility of a military capture of Russian territory, as this could lead to international isolation, "as in the case of Crimea".

"The smarter strategy is to act softly: to invest, make long-term contracts, support local forces friendly to China," the Chinese analysts believe.

Quotes on Chinese Expansion

• "The region is sparsely populated, cold, with poor infrastructure, and Russia is unable to manage it effectively. China, by helping to close these gaps, is gradually taking control over key arteries."

• "Due to depopulation, the region risks turning into a desolate area; Chinese migrants are already working there, but it is important not to provoke resistance from the local population."

"In the event of Russia's collapse, the risk of fragmentation of the Far East will be high. China must prepare in advance," they concluded in the post.

It is worth noting that the Kremlin conceals the catastrophic state of the Russian economy, which is half a step away from recession — an economic decline associated with falling gross domestic product.

Thus, the situation in the Far East is becoming an integral part of global geopolitical changes. China, seeing Russia's weakness, may use this opportunity to strengthen its influence in the region, questioning the future stability of the Russian state. This issue will undoubtedly draw attention in both political circles and among international experts.