The Russian-China Axis

By IAN DE MELLO
Staff Writer

Over the course of the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, many nations have picked a side already, with most aligning with the West in their denunciation of Russia’s aggressive invasion. Others have supported Russia’s actions and the rest remain neutral onlookers to the entire affair. One of the neutral powers is China, the leading Asian superpower. During Putin’s initial full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some Western commentators had theorized that China would be a strong Russian ally, supplying materiel support for the regime to prop up its war efforts. However, whatever the reasons may be, China has been reluctant to send much-needed equipment to the Russians. As the invasion approached its unfortunate 1-year anniversary, the Chinese seemed content with the status quo as an observer however it seems like this could potentially change.

China, while officially remaining neutral in the conflict, has an obvious bias towards Russia and has done everything to bolster its war effort short of sending weapons and men. Some have pointed to the strong Western response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a possible deterrent. Certain commentators have gone so far as to say that this response has completely dissuaded China from invading Taiwan in the near future. It is no secret that the Chinese war strategy depends heavily on a strong Russia that is able to push back against the West in Europe, so many are scratching their heads at this reluctance to act. Now Putin and Xi Jinping are gearing up to meet in Moscow later this week for a potential shakeup in Chinese doctrine. Harrowing news from U.S. officials suggests that China is still considering giving weapons to Russia, such as artillery shells, for use in Ukraine. Ahead of this, a united Russia-China axis may be an unfortunate turn of events for Ukraine as they fight for survival

According to Beijing, this meeting will position China as the broker of peace in this long-drawn-out conflict. Western commentators and officials are not so optimistic, however, and there is a strong belief that China will announce materiel support for Putin’s war effort. Even suggestions of a cease-fire from the Chinese side would undoubtedly be in Russia’s best interests, as such an act would legitimize Russia’s gains in the war. Russia and China still do military exercises and have both denounced NATO, all while China continues to buy up cheap Russian oil. These underhanded and sly tricks have obviously been to keep China’s reputation with the West stable, so as to not anger their biggest trade partners, all while destabilizing Western interests. With this lack of credibility, it seems like China is not there to make peace but to potentially take its first steps in defying the West in Ukraine.