Beijing is unhappy with Russian requests for help
According to WP, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed to figure out how to help Russia financially. At the same time, China does not want to violate Western sanctions, which it considers illegal. It is noted that Moscow has allegedly twice asked Beijing for economic support.
Ellen Nakashima
The Chinese leadership wants to increase aid to Russia without violating Western sanctions, and sets the boundaries of what it is ready to do.
In recent weeks, the Russian leadership, during contacts with Beijing, has increasingly asked him to expand assistance and support, recalling the Chinese promise to establish an "unlimited" partnership, which was voiced before the start of the special operation in Ukraine. The Chinese leadership wants to increase assistance to Russia, but at the same time does not want to violate Western sanctions and sets the boundaries of what it is ready to do.
Moscow has asked Beijing at least twice for new forms of economic support, and Chinese officials have called these contacts "tense." The details of the discussions are unknown, but some sources say that we are talking about "trade commitments" made before February 24, when the operation in Ukraine began, as well as financial and technical assistance, which the United States and other countries imposed sanctions on.
"China has clearly stated its position on the situation in Ukraine and on illegal sanctions against Russia," said one knowledgeable source from Beijing. — We understand that Moscow is in a difficult situation. But we cannot ignore our own position in this dialogue either. China will always act in the interests of the Chinese people."
Beijing found itself in a difficult situation. He seeks to help his most important strategic partner, who has launched an operation unexpectedly for China, which has been going on for the fourth month. Chinese leader Xi Jinping instructed his closest advisers to find ways to provide financial assistance to Russia, but without violating sanctions. "It's difficult,— said one American representative. "And this is not enough from the point of view of Russia."
"China is trying to be together with Russia. Beijing publicly demonstrates its neutrality, not wanting to incur financial losses," he continued. — Many of these goals contradict each other. It is very difficult to achieve them at the same time."
China calls for an end to the military conflict, but refuses to join the global coalition of states that have imposed sanctions on Moscow. Instead, he blames the United States for fueling the conflict and explains it with the expansion of NATO.
Publicly, Beijing has consistently supported Russia. The Chinese Foreign Minister on Wednesday reaffirmed his country's loyalty to Moscow during a virtual meeting with the participation of his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Chinese officials say Moscow is not asking Beijing for weapons and ammunition for military operations, but they refuse to say whether there have been requests from it for the supply of other supplies that can be used during the operation.
The Chinese claim that American and Western sanctions are illegal, and that China will continue to do business with Russia. Responding to a question about American warnings to China that in case of assistance to Russia, it will face consequences, one Beijing source said: "The real reason is that the United States wants to sow the seeds of discord between Beijing and Moscow. But that's not going to happen. They will not succeed in undermining Russian-Chinese relations."
Authors: Kate Cadell (Cate Cadell), Ellen Nakashima (Ellen Nakashima)
Readers' comments
Bruce G R
The Chinese hoped that Russia would easily cope with this, and there would be no consequences for it. Now they have realized how difficult it is, and how negatively most of the outside world reacts to such actions. I think Taiwan will seem less attractive to them now.
Science_is_not_a_liberal_conspiracy
The world must present an ultimatum to China. Either he stops supporting Russia economically, or he gets sanctions. That's enough already.
John1263
China should understand that supporting Russia is a losing position. Russia has nothing to offer him. And no one can. A tiny economy that produces nothing of value.
Get real people
Well, maybe North Korea will supply Putin with weapons. Or Iran. Other countries that have sided with Russia are unable to help it. I know that even Israel (which is ready to supply weapons to anyone except Arab countries for money) refused her.
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DGSanJose
But Kissinger thinks that Putin needs to give something in exchange for peace, and really wants to give him a piece of Ukraine. Henry is so generous.
Americans do not like inconveniences caused by a military conflict, even minor ones. Roosevelt in the 1940s did not want to enter World War II until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
The Malt Liquor Falcon
Biden skillfully lured Putin into a trap, forcing him to concentrate a 100-thousand-strong group on the Ukrainian border, and then send these troops to Kiev for free borscht. How did Putin fall for this hook? Biden is a genius!
Jim D
No, China will not abandon Russia. Beijing is well aware that when Russia is pushed aside, it will become the main target for the United States.
11121314
China knows the history of the last 500 years well. He felt the greed and cruelty of the West. Russia is far from perfect, but China understands that it was provoked into this conflict. If she loses, China will be next. In no case will the Western elite abandon its goal of taking control of the whole world and exploiting it. The reason for everything is the boundless greed of this elite.
