As many Western countries have weaned themselves off their reliance on Russian materials and imports since the invasion of Ukraine, China has remained Vladimir Putin’s closest major ally, continuing to buy Russian fuel and largely refusing to join the international chorus of condemnation against his invasion of Ukraine. But with Russia struggling to gain ground in Ukraine, a major intelligence chief in the United States called Putin’s efforts a “huge strategic failure for Russia” that has helped cement a Western coalition in support of Ukraine and may eventually make Russia economically subservient to another major power.
China has toed the line between respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and abstaining from criticizing Russia for starting the war over the past year. Chinese leaders have recently positioned themselves as peacemakers in the conflict, even deflecting blame to the U.S. for prioritizing its own economic interests and aggravating the crisis through sanctions on Russia. But this could all turn out to support China’s economic interests.
