China-Russia Relations

China's imports from Russia, mostly oil and gas, surged 31.3 percent over a year ago in January and February to $18.6 billion.

Despite the visit, what Russia and China will be willing to do for each other beyond diplomatic comfort remains to be seen.

China and Russia are not in lockstep across the board, but they are clearly in strategic alignment at a global level.

Anyone seriously considering China playing a role as peacemaker in Ukraine needs to wrestle with its constant and overt declarations of “unswerving” partnership with Russia.

Understanding the meaning of the dueling trips requires a closer look at the larger context of China and Japan’s recent international diplomatic efforts. 

While Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Moscow, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made a surprise visit to Kyiv.

“If the United States and the West hope to resolve the Ukrainian crisis they should support China’s proposals for peace.”

China has been sending strong signals that it plans to use its economic clout to bring Ukraine to the bargaining table – to Russia’s benefit. 

Xi will visit Moscow on March 20-22 as speculation grows China is going to push harder for a diplomatic settlement to the war in Ukraine.

Those who expect Beijing to agree on tough measures that would put its partnership with Moscow at risk will surely be disappointed. 

Not lacking for self-confidence, Xi’s decision to insert himself into Russia-Ukraine mediation presents outsized opportunities and risks for Beijing, especially in Europe. 

Xi Jinping’s personal investment in Sino-Russian relations could produce an outcome contradictory to a purely interests-based assessment.