“China will go to great lengths, including efforts to keep the Russian economy afloat, to prevent a revolution from taking hold there,” argues AlexGabuev in a guest essay for The Economist
of the Wagner Group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, closed in on Moscow on June 24th, China watched closely—and said nothing. The aborted mutiny was over in 24 hours, but that was enough to expose the fragility of Vladimir Putin’s power system. Despite having limited means to directly influence the outcome of battles inside its giant neighbour, China will go to great lengths, including efforts to keep the Russian economy afloat, to prevent a revolution from taking hold there.
The broader strategic question is: will China continue its current approach of providing stealth support to the Kremlin, or will buyer’s remorse over the “no-limits partnership” announced last year set in, prompting China to distance itself? If Xi Jinping’s approach to Russia so far is a guide, the Chinese state won’t withdraw its support from Mr Putin, and might even increase it to keep his regime afloat.
The main reason for this level of support is China’s own strategic rivalry with America. Sino-American relations are at their worst for many years, and in Mr Xi’s view nothing short of Chinese capitulation will satisfy leaders in Washington. Should he throw Mr Putin under the bus, America would simply pocket the concession and continue to squeeze its only peer-rival. Moreover, Mr Putin’s downfall and his replacement with an anti-Chinese government is Mr Xi’s nightmare.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alexander-Arnold labelled best English midfielder and 'can do everything Rice does'Trent Alexander-Arnold has been labelled as England’s ‘best midfielder’ with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp told to sign a right-back this summer. The full-back, who has been trying out a new position…
Read more »
Mel Gibson sent classy message to Alexander Volkanovski as footage emerges of meetingAlexander Volkanovski was delighted to meet Mel Gibson this week ahead of UFC 290 on Saturday night. Australia’s UFC featherweight champion looked over the moon as he exchanged words with the…
Read more »
Indian Crude Oil Imports From Russia Hit Another Record High | OilPrice.comIndia’s crude oil imports from Russia hit a new record high in June, having risen for 10 consecutive months.
Read more »