China's Complex Relationship with Putin: Rivalry with US Keeps Alliance Alive Despite Unease

Russia's expanding role in bolstering China's economic landscape is becoming increasingly significant. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a tool for Beijing to undercut the diplomatic efforts of the United States.

In his recent trip to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to demonstrate enduring alliances, particularly with President Xi Jinping, amidst international tensions. The joint statement released by Beijing and Moscow underscores China's alignment with Russia amid its ongoing rivalry with the United States and the current global order led by the US. Notably, the statement rebukes Washington, marking a departure from previous diplomatic norms. However, it conspicuously excludes previous references to an unrestricted partnership, instead emphasizing a convergence of interests. This omission suggests some internal deliberation within Beijing regarding its relationship with Moscow. Despite this alignment, China's stance on Russia's actions in Ukraine contradicts its diplomatic principle of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, further straining its ties with the US and Europe. Nonetheless, Beijing prioritizes its prolonged confrontation with the US over these diplomatic challenges, signaling a steadfast commitment to its strategic objectives.

‍Exploring Post-War Realities: Perspectives Beyond Conflict

China's commitment to its relationship with Russia extends far beyond mere support for the Kremlin's military endeavors. Instead, it is driven by a strategic calculation rooted in countering the United States' containment efforts against China. Beijing perceives its partnership with Moscow as potentially offering a crucial, albeit imperfect, counterbalance to US policies, both economically and diplomatically. In essence, China views its ties with Russia as a strategic asset in navigating and mitigating the challenges posed by US policies.

‍Russia Surpasses Saudi Arabia as Top Oil Supplier to China in 2023

The invasion by Russia serves as a stark reminder to China of the importance of its own economic resilience, a cornerstone of what President Xi has termed 'comprehensive national security'. Russia's emergence as China's top oil supplier in 2023, surpassing Saudi Arabia, underscores the significance of energy security for Beijing, especially amidst geopolitical tensions with Western powers.

Moreover, as China grapples with sluggish domestic consumer demand and Western calls for risk diversification, Russia has emerged as a crucial market for Chinese high-end manufacturing products. This diversification of trade partners is vital for China's economic recovery.

Although trade volumes with Russia still lag behind those with Southeast Asia, Beijing is exploring ways to reduce reliance on Western markets through pilot studies. As China seeks to chart its economic trajectory independently of Western demand, trade with Russia may assume even greater importance in the future.

‍Anti-US alignment

In diplomatic terms, Beijing's enduring alignment with Russia is increasingly driven by their shared opposition to US hegemony rather than by shared values, a concept that has often confounded the NATO alliance. This strategic partnership between China and Russia is characterized by a mutual resentment of US dominance rather than ideological affinity, highlighting a significant divergence from traditional diplomatic alliances based on shared principles.

China's Stance on War Gains Traction: Global South Economies like India and South Africa Rally Behind Similar Position"

In recent years, intensified bilateral cooperation between China and Russia has enabled both nations to assert their status as major powers on the world stage, serving as a counterbalance to US dominance.

Simultaneously, the conflict in Ukraine has inadvertently provided China with an opportunity to strengthen its relations with the Global South, which tends to view the conflict through a less polarized lens compared to the West.

China's stance on the war in Ukraine has garnered support from several major economies in the Global South, such as India and South Africa, which have also maintained warm ties with Russia.

China's emphasis on energy and food security resonates with developing countries struggling with the economic fallout of the war and striving for post-COVID-19 recovery through increased trade and investment.

Furthermore, the expansion of the BRICS grouping to include four new members in January, alongside China's growing influence in various UN-related institutions, reflects Beijing's efforts to cultivate global partnerships in opposition to US dominance.

‍Global Schism: United West Highlights a Divided World Landscape

While Russia's conflict has solidified Western unity to an extent not seen in years, it has also widened the gulf between the West and other global powers, notably China. As China's relations with the US have deteriorated to unprecedented lows, President Xi's recent visit to Europe aimed to mitigate further strain on its ties with European capitals.

Source: Chatham House