Russia intends to ask China for help – media
One of these days there will be a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Moscow will ask Beijing for support.
The Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post writes about this, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
According to analysts interviewed by the publication, the conflict in Ukraine has prompted Beijing to move closer to Russia, but China is unlikely to move away from its neutral position, since it has not abandoned its intention to normalize relations with the United States and its allies.
At the same time, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China in 2023 will “strengthen rock-solid ties with Russia.”
According to him, regarding the conflict in Ukraine, China adheres to the principle of not giving preference to any of the parties, but stands for the principle of non-interference in other people's affairs.
In turn, the scientific director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexander Lukin, believes that the conversation between the leaders will most likely take place online.
“After all, a personal visit takes a long time to prepare. As for Ukraine, there are no indicators of a change in its [China’s] position, which was formed at the beginning of last year. China says it favors a peaceful solution, but on a mutually acceptable basis. This is what he will repeat. There are, however, specific questions. China says it does not provide military assistance to either side. Another thing is the economy. For example, China is increasing its energy purchases from Russia. There are a lot of topics for discussion here,” the expert told Nezavisimaya Gazeta.
According to him, China always acts in its own interests.
“But he does not recognize American sanctions; he considers them illegal. This means there is no need to bypass them. But if there is a threat that secondary sanctions will be imposed, China will act carefully. Either he will abandon some projects, or he will introduce them in an indirect manner. For example, China complies with UN sanctions against North Korea. And yet Chinese goods are sold there,” added Lukin.
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