China-Russia Relations

The show “Xi Jinping’s Favorite Classical Quotes” on TV channel Russia 24 is just one example of Chinese-produced content airing in Russia.

Lu Shaye’s gaffe underlines a serious problem: China’s complete refusal to acknowledge the abuses of the Soviet Union is impacting foreign policy decisions.

The Chinese ambassador to France suggested in an interview that the states of the former Soviet Union were not recognized as sovereign. Beijing walked the comments back.

There are safer ways for Beijing to address Russian munitions shortages in Ukraine than sending Chinese weapons to the frontlines.

Foreign Minister Qin Gang’s attempt to address a major European and U.S. concern came days before China’s defense minister heads to Moscow.

But Xi gave no indication Beijing would use its leverage as Vladimir Putin's diplomatic partner to press for a settlement.

A U.S. blockade of Russian maritime crude oil exports to China is feasible, but would be extremely unwise outside of wartime or near-wartime conditions. 

Africa and the Middle East provide conducive conditions for China and Russia to advance their shared and separate agendas.  

China's imports from Russia, mostly oil and gas, surged 31.3 percent over a year ago in January and February to $18.6 billion.

Despite the visit, what Russia and China will be willing to do for each other beyond diplomatic comfort remains to be seen.

China and Russia are not in lockstep across the board, but they are clearly in strategic alignment at a global level.

Anyone seriously considering China playing a role as peacemaker in Ukraine needs to wrestle with its constant and overt declarations of “unswerving” partnership with Russia.