War tests China’s “unlimited” relations with Russia
Chinese President, Xi Jinpingand his Russian partner, Vladimir Putin, roasted their friendship “indefinitely” at the gathering held in Februarybut a month later, the relationship has been tested by the war in Ukraine.
With increasing international outrage and sanctions against Russia, Beijing tries not to be swayed by its relations with Moscow while maintaining close ties.
Former rival in the Cold War, CChina and Russia have grown closer since Xi Jinping came to power nearly a decade ago.motivated by their shared desire to face American power.
But China appears to have been caught off guard by Russia’s military offensivestrong Ukrainian resistance and international resistance to the Kremlin’s actions.
Beijing, which demands respect for its territorial integrity in disputes with its own neighbors, must strike a rhetorical balance in Ukraine so as not to disturb Russia.
China has defended Russia’s security concerns over Ukraine and expansion of NATO, and has refused to condemn Moscow.
Beijing risks emerging as Putin’s facilitatorwhich could anger his Western trading partners and jeopardize the ties he has developed over the years with Russia and Ukraine.
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