As Beijing prepares to host Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has lauded the robust ties between the two nations ahead of his state visit, concerns over the nature of their alliance linger. Despite being more than two years into his Ukraine campaign, China remains a steadfast partner to Russia, eliciting discontent from the US and the EU by refusing to condemn the conflict and maintaining trade relations despite heavy sanctions.
However, Putin's eagerness for deeper collaboration begs the question: is China ready to bear the consequences? The visit, occurring amidst escalating tensions with the West, marks Putin's first foreign trip since his recent re-election. He speaks fondly of the burgeoning relationship, citing shared interests in martial arts and philosophy, yet apprehensions persist within China.
The US has intensified sanctions against Chinese entities allegedly aiding Russia, complicating matters further. While China denies directly supplying arms, accusations of facilitating critical tech exports persist, drawing ire from Western powers. This scrutiny threatens China's already delicate economic balance, reliant on foreign markets for stability.
The partnership, initially hailed as "limitless," now faces scrutiny as China navigates the reputational costs of unwavering support for Russia's controversial tactics. While Beijing asserts neutrality on the Ukraine crisis, its state media narratives align closely with Moscow's, reflecting a cautious stance. Despite individual efforts to highlight Ukrainian suffering, dissenting voices in China hint at underlying skepticism towards the alliance.
As Putin seeks solidarity amidst international condemnation, Xi Jinping faces mounting pressure to reassess China's stance. While Beijing reiterates its commitment to peace, cracks in public opinion suggest a growing discomfort with the alliance's implications. Amidst Western impatience and Xi's aspirations for peacemaking, the stakes of continued alignment with Russia loom large, prompting careful consideration of China's next move.