How did China side with Russia in the war in Ukraine? News. News headlines and events Last Minute Russia

It has been almost a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, just weeks after Beijing and Moscow announced an “unrestricted” partnership, sparking concern in the West. Reuters released an analytical report on the impact on China as the first anniversary of the war approaches on February 24.

How did China support Russia?

Beijing acted in line with the Kremlin, which called the war a “special military operation” designed to protect Russia’s own security. He created a diplomatic cover for Russia, refraining from denouncing Moscow’s behavior or calling it an “invasion.”

While China has repeatedly called for peace, President Xi Jinping has backed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to resist Western pressure to isolate Moscow.

China has also expanded its trade with Russia and has become a lifeline for the sanctions-hit economy, especially as a heavy buyer of Moscow’s energy exports.

How much did this support cost China?

China’s support for Russia has severely damaged its good relations with the West and hampered Beijing’s efforts to bridge the gap between Brussels and Washington, analysts say.

Diplomats say Russia’s move to Ukraine initially turned China off because it failed to warn Xi of invasion plans when Putin visited Beijing at the start of last year’s Winter Olympics.

The war has also put China in a difficult position, as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is the basis of Beijing’s foreign policy.

What does China get from this support?

Analysts say the war has deepened Russia’s reliance on China, made Moscow an increasingly secondary partner, and solidified Beijing’s leadership among developing countries against the US-led post-World War II order.

“China is doing this for its own benefit, it’s that simple. A weaker Russia is likely to serve its own interests more,” says Alexander Gabuev, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

China has also turned to importing Russian oil, which is priced below global benchmarks. Russia’s average daily crude oil imports rose nearly 45 percent in value from the post-occupation period to December, according to data from global financial and market firm Refinitiv.

Beijing is concerned about the expansion of the presence of US security forces in the South China Sea. By objecting to NATO expansion in what it sees as Russia’s backyard, China is laying the groundwork to counter further US activity in the region.

Is this really an “unlimited” partnership?

China has tried to refrain from support that could lead to sanctions, including avoiding arms shipments to Russia. Beijing also reacted angrily to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s warning not to supply weapons to Russia.

Beijing has also sought to maintain a rhetorical distance from Russia to avoid irreparable damage to relations with the West, and has used its influence with Moscow to persuade Putin not to use nuclear weapons.

Has China’s position on the war changed?

China is playing a more active role in public opinion after months of promoting peace talks without any direct action.

Xi is expected to deliver a “peace speech” on February 24, the anniversary of the invasion, and release a document outlining China’s position on the Ukraine conflict.

“After Russia’s failure on the battlefield, China has an opportunity to negotiate,” said Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson think tank.

Referring to Wang Yi’s visit to Moscow this week after meeting with Blinken and other Western officials during his European tour, Sun, director of the Office of the Central Foreign Relations Commission of the Communist Party of China, said: “Wang Yi raises the issue of shuttle diplomacy. and Xi’s actions on the matter are taken for granted. The performance points to this trend,” he said.

Has the war affected China’s intentions towards Taiwan?

Beijing has repeatedly objected to any connection between the war in Ukraine and its intentions to “reunite” with the island, which it considers its territory.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang today spoke openly against the United States, urging “some countries to stop making noise about ‘Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow’.”

But many experts say there is no doubt that China is weighing its long-term plans for Taiwan, which it has vowed to take by force if necessary, given Russia’s military failure in Ukraine and other countries’ reactions.

“The outcome and cost of the war show the Chinese that invading Taiwan may not make sense. This does not mean that they will avoid it if Taiwan declares its independence. However, they are less likely to take the initiative,” Sun predicted. .

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