Russia’s invasion of Ukraine promises to test the “no limits” alliance announced by Chinese and Russian leaders Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, respectively, after meeting in Beijing three weeks ago.
China shares with Russia the defense of a new multilateral world order, pointing to a redistribution of power against North American domination.
The two nuclear powers have come close in recent years, raising fears of an alliance that could challenge the US-led West in a new Cold War.
But since the political relationship with Moscow has not been transformed into a deep economic or social relationship, China has a lot to lose in this situation. Overall, China’s exports to the EU and the UK are almost ten times higher than Russia’s.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has already spoken out against the Cold War mentality, referring to those who portray China’s uprising as a threat.
Analysts point out that the origin of the China-Russia axis is inevitable.
“The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine will reveal whether there is a deep bond or relationship [entre Pequim e Moscovo] It’s basically a transaction, “said Anthony Choich, an expert on Chinese affairs at a question-and-answer session on the portal of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University.
Saich pointed to three possible actions, which would indicate that “China is in fact allied with Russia”: recognizing and rejecting a puppet regime in Russia-established Ukraine, rather than abstaining from any UN resolution vetoing Beijing’s actions. Even after civilian casualties have been confirmed, the attack should be called an invasion.
China, along with India and the United Arab Emirates, did not vote on Friday in a vote on a UN Security Council resolution calling on Russia to stop its attacks on Ukraine. China did not vote again in another referendum on Sunday.
“Two polls show that China has taken a more prudent stance in the face of widespread criticism and opposition around the world against Russia’s attacks,” said Shi Yinhang, an international relations expert at Renmin University in northern Beijing.
Li Fan, a professor of Russian studies at the same university, said China and Russia have a “friendly strategic partnership,” but China has not taken a side in the current crisis.
“China does not support Russia’s military action.
Russia’s decision to keep its nuclear forces on high alert on Sunday could make China even more cautious.
The Balancing Act helps to illustrate Beijing’s sometimes conflicting positions on the invasion of Ukraine and the authorities’ efforts to avoid compromise on certain issues.
China has said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected, and that the long-standing policy of China’s foreign policy is to oppose any invasion. At the same time, he opposed sanctions against Russia and pointed out that NATO’s expansion into Eastern Europe was at the root of the problem.
For many countries imposing sanctions, China’s actions are tantamount to supporting the invasion.
“You can not give a lifeline to Russia when Russia invades another country,” said Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
A joint statement issued after the meeting stated that “there is no limit to the friendship between the two states and there are no ‘no-go’ areas for cooperation.
Noting Ukraine, the Russian-Chinese statement opposed the expansion of alliances between NATO and “intensifying geopolitical rivalry”, which would indicate US President Joe Biden’s efforts to strengthen ties with other democracies. , In view of the rise of China.
“Relations between the new states between Russia and China are superior to the political and military alliances of the Cold War,” the report said.
Chowdhury of Harvard University called the report a “dramatic step in the relationship,” but said it was too early to consider it a solid alliance.
Half a century ago, in the midst of the Cold War, it was China and the United States that discovered the common cause against Russia. This month marks the 50th anniversary of the visit of then US President Richard Nixon to Beijing in 1972.
At the time, China’s relations with the Soviet Union were deteriorating, and Chinese leaders were concerned about the Soviet invasion.
Fifty years later, the relationship between the three great powers has changed. Relations between the United States and China are going through one of the worst moments, while Beijing and Moscow are getting closer.