Bordering Countries of China and Russia
The world's two most populous countries, China and Russia, share extensive international borders with multiple nations. Their vast territories encompass a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and economies, making the study of their bordering countries fascinating. Let's embark on a journey to explore the countries that border China and Russia.
Bordering Countries of China
North
- North Korea (DPRK)
- Mongolia
On the north, China shares its border with North Korea and Mongolia. The border with North Korea is approximately 880 kilometers (547 miles) long, while the border with Mongolia stretches for over 4,600 kilometers (2,855 miles). This border has significant economic and strategic implications for China, given the country's ongoing economic integration with North Korea and its long-standing diplomatic relationship with Mongolia.
South
- India
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Myanmar
On the south, China shares its border with five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. The border with India is the longest, spanning over 3,488 kilometers (2,167 miles). This border has been a subject of dispute between the two countries, particularly regarding the status of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The border with Nepal is approximately 1,414 kilometers (880 miles) long, and with Bhutan, it is around 470 kilometers (292 miles) long. China also shares a short border of 212 kilometers (132 miles) with Myanmar.
East
- North Korea (again, through the Sea of Japan)
- Mongolia (through the Gobi Desert)
On the east, China has a unique border situation, with North Korea and Mongolia meeting at the Sea of Japan and the Gobi Desert, respectively. Although not a direct land border, this region is significant for China's energy security and economic growth, given the country's investments in North Korea's infrastructure and its historical trade ties with Mongolia.
West
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Afghanistan
On the west, China shares its border with five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The border with Kazakhstan is approximately 1,765 kilometers (1,100 miles) long, while the border with Kyrgyzstan stretches for around 1,063 kilometers (660 miles). The border with Tajikistan is approximately 477 kilometers (296 miles) long, and with Uzbekistan, it is around 473 kilometers (294 miles) long. China's border with Afghanistan is the shortest, at around 76 kilometers (47 miles) long.
Bordering Countries of Russia
North
- Norway
- Finland
On the north, Russia shares its border with Norway and Finland. The border with Norway is approximately 196 kilometers (122 miles) long, while the border with Finland stretches for over 1,300 kilometers (800 miles). This border is significant for Russia's economic integration with Europe and its long-standing diplomatic relationship with the Nordic countries.
South
- Georgia
- Azerbaijan
- Armenia
- North Caucasus region of Russia (with Chechnya and other republics)
On the south, Russia shares its border with several countries, including Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, as well as with the North Caucasus region of Russia. The border with Georgia is approximately 876 kilometers (544 miles) long, while the border with Azerbaijan stretches for around 338 kilometers (210 miles). The border with Armenia is approximately 1,169 kilometers (726 miles) long.
East
- China
- Mongolia
On the east, Russia shares its border with China and Mongolia. The border with China is approximately 4,209 kilometers (2,609 miles) long, while the border with Mongolia stretches for over 3,485 kilometers (2,164 miles). This border has significant implications for Russia's energy security, given its investments in China's infrastructure and its historical trade ties with Mongolia.
West
- Ukraine
- Belarus
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia
On the west, Russia shares its border with several European countries, including Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The border with Ukraine is approximately 1,945 kilometers (1,210 miles) long, while the border with Belarus stretches for over 1,212 kilometers (753 miles). The border with Lithuania is approximately 273 kilometers (170 miles) long, and with Latvia, it is around 217 kilometers (135 miles) long. The border with Estonia is approximately 276 kilometers (171 miles) long.
Key Takeaways
China and Russia share a complex network of international borders with multiple countries, reflecting the historical, economic, and strategic relationships between these nations. Understanding these bordering countries is essential for grasping the geopolitical dynamics of East Asia and Eurasia, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing China and Russia in their pursuit of economic growth and global influence.
