The complexity of Russia-China relations in the Eurasian space prompts us to take a fresh look at these relations, using different angles to adequately understand the rapidly changing situation. The crucial task of maintaining an equal partnership between Russia and China as the balance of power changes often proves difficult. At present, it is impossible to fully describe Russian-Chinese interaction in the Eurasian space using only geopolitical concepts. The author uses the term “hedging”, which is borrowed from the financial-investment sphere, to solve the problems posed. Hedging in international relations is a strategy of building close relations with a strong partner while respecting its own interests and diversifying relations in order to prevent excessive dependence on it. This article analyzes Russia’s hedging against China’s behavior in the Eurasian space in three aspects: economics, security and the Eurasian integration concept. Geopolitical changes in the Eurasian space and inequality are the most important factors causing hedging between Russia and China. Russia hedges its risks vis-а-vis China in the pairing of the Eurasian Economic Union and the initiative “Belt and Road”, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Eurasian integration initiative, which is characterized by increased collective bargaining power, diversified policies, and the search for alternatives. The consideration of Russia-China interaction from the perspective of hedging makes a definite contribution to the development of the theory of Russia-China relations. Nevertheless, this topic requires further research. Key words: Russian-Chinese relations, Eurasia, hedging, cooperation problems.
10.56429/2414-4894-2023-44-2-72-84