BEIJING: Last week, China expressed strong criticism towards Russia regarding an incident involving Chinese citizens being denied entry into Russia from Kazakhstan. However, this does not indicate a change in China’s overall perspective on the war in Ukraine. China has been trying to create distance from Russia on certain issues while still supporting Putin’s reasons for the war. The Chinese Foreign Minister reaffirmed their partnership with Russia in a recent phone call and emphasized China’s independent stance on Ukraine. The border incident highlights the complex nature of China-Russia relations, which is often misunderstood in the West. While China needs to maintain good relations with Russia, it does not mean that it agrees with everything Russia does.
Despite China’s support, there are reasons for frustration with Russia, such as its decision to end a grain export deal that has led to food supply problems. The long-term nature of the conflict in Ukraine also poses concerns for China, as it destabilizes the world and distracts attention from China’s own interests. China has made some economic overtures to Ukraine but its trade ties with Russia remain much stronger.
China and Russia are deepening their military cooperation, as seen in their recent joint naval exercises. While Xi Jinping has portrayed China as a neutral broker on Ukraine, he is not afraid to criticize Russia if it poses a threat to China’s domestic interests. The recent border incident has generated outrage among Chinese social media users, questioning the wisdom of deep diplomatic relations with Russia.
Overall, China’s criticism of Russia should not be seen as a shift in its support for Putin’s actions in Ukraine. China recognizes the importance of its relationship with Russia but also wants to protect its own interests and maintain credibility with its domestic audience.
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