The United States has approved $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of aiding the Russian war effort. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China that if they do not address this issue, they would face sanctions as well. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is looking to expand overseas markets, is under pressure from European leaders to use his influence over Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Despite denying involvement in the war, China’s trade with Russia has seen a decline, possibly due to the pressure from Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing, where he received full military honors and met with Xi Jinping for talks. Putin will also visit the China-Russia trade fair in Harbin, near their shared border. In an interview with China’s state-run news agency, Putin highlighted the strong strategic partnership between Russia and China as the reason for making China his first stop of his fifth term. The trip includes Andrei Belousov, the newly appointed Russian defense minister, as part of a surprise shake-up in the Russian government.
Russia’s new offensive in northern Ukraine has raised concerns in Kyiv and among its allies, as Putin’s military appears to be making early gains. This has raised fears that Russia may make decisive progress in the coming weeks. The pressure from European leaders and the decline in Chinese exports to Russia may be having an impact on China’s support for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The relationship between Russia and China is under scrutiny amid the war in Ukraine, with the United States and other Western powers closely monitoring China’s support for Russia. The sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Chinese companies highlight the international pressure on China to address its role in aiding the Russian war effort. China’s economic slowdown and the pressure from European leaders are factors that may impact China’s support for Russia in the conflict.
As Putin and Xi meet in Beijing and discuss their strategic partnership, the international community is watching closely for any shifts in China’s stance on the war in Ukraine. The decline in Chinese exports to Russia and the pressure from European leaders indicate that China may be reconsidering its support for Russia. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine will continue to shape the relationship between Russia, China, and the Western powers in the coming weeks and months.
