Media: China studies sanctions evasion in partnership with Russia amid Ukraine conflict

China has been strategically supporting Russia's economy throughout the ongoing Ukraine war, purchasing Russian oil while supplying Moscow with a wide range of goods, from microelectronics to household appliances, 

This collaboration has provided China with valuable insights into circumventing Western sanctions, offering a potential roadmap in the event of future sanctions imposed due to conflicts, particularly over Taiwan, Caliber.Az reports via WSJ.

An interagency group set up by China in the months following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been conducting regular studies on the impact of sanctions. According to sources familiar with the matter, the group’s purpose is to identify methods to mitigate sanctions, especially if China faces similar penalties from the U.S. and its allies in the event of a Taiwan crisis. As part of this effort, Chinese officials have made periodic visits to Moscow to meet with the Russian Central Bank, the Finance Ministry, and other key agencies involved in countering sanctions.

This initiative reflects the new era of economic warfare prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where economic policy and geopolitical strategy are increasingly intertwined. As Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted, “For the Chinese, Russia is really a sandbox on how sanctions work and how to manage them. They know that if there is a Taiwan contingency, the toolkit that will be applied against them will be similar.”

Although China’s study effort is not an indication of impending military action, it underscores Beijing’s preparation for extreme scenarios, such as an armed conflict over Taiwan, and the economic consequences that would follow. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated, “China has always been committed to conducting normal exchanges and cooperation with all countries in the world, including Russia, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.”

While Russia's economy has shown surprising resilience during the war, recent sanctions, including U.S. banking measures, have caused new challenges. The ruble recently dropped to its lowest level since the war began, underscoring the ongoing pressure Moscow faces. However, Russia’s economic durability can largely be attributed to its oil exports and its deepening collaboration with China, as both countries seek to challenge the U.S.-led world order.

As Beijing continues to monitor the evolving situation, the partnership with Russia remains crucial in its broader strategy to prepare for potential economic and geopolitical conflicts.

By Khagan Isayev