China stands to gain significantly from Ukraine war

In an article from The Atlantic, the author argues that China's stance on Russia's war in Ukraine reveals strategic intentions to undermine Western influence while bolstering its own global ambitions.

Initially claiming to support peace, Chinese President Xi Jinping conspicuously avoided a recent international summit aimed at resolving the conflict, highlighting China's pivot towards facilitating rather than mediating the crisis.

Xi's close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have led Western observers to dismiss China's potential role as a peacemaker, instead focusing on its role in supporting Russia's war efforts. This support, which includes economic aid and trade despite Western sanctions, serves Xi's broader geopolitical strategy. By propping up Russia, China not only aids a regime challenging Western dominance but also deepens Moscow's dependency on Beijing, thereby expanding China's influence in global affairs.

Despite officially endorsing peace talks, China's actions—such as expanding trade with Russia and circumventing Western sanctions through alternative financial systems—directly contradict these diplomatic gestures. Trade between China and Russia surged significantly, with China becoming a crucial lifeline for Russia's economy, particularly in energy exports and financial transactions denominated in yuan rather than U.S. dollars.

Western powers, including the G7, have criticized China's support for Russia, accusing Beijing of prolonging the conflict by enabling Russia to sustain its military capabilities. Despite assurances to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that China would not supply weapons to Russia, China's economic support has effectively sustained Russian military efforts indirectly.

The article suggests that while sanctions targeting Chinese entities involved in aiding Russia have been imposed, they may not suffice to compel Xi to alter course. For Xi, the benefits of a strengthened partnership with Russia—including access to crucial resources and leverage over Moscow's policies—outweigh potential risks such as diplomatic fallout or economic retaliation from the West.

Ultimately, Xi's support for Russia aligns with his broader strategy to challenge the U.S.-led global order and position China as a leading power in a new world order. By backing Putin's regime amid international condemnation, Xi enhances China's image as a reliable partner for countries disillusioned with Western leadership, furthering China's ambitions while complicating efforts for global stability.

In conclusion, the article portrays China's stance on the Ukraine conflict as a calculated maneuver to exploit Western vulnerabilities, sustain Russia's aggression, and advance China's own geopolitical interests on the global stage.