Why China distancing itself from full support to Russia's war in Ukraine? Former US ambassador explains

The first meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin since Moscow invaded Ukraine has prompted speculation that Beijing has concerns over the war.

Xi greeted Putin as "my dear old friend" and the Russian president praised "the friendship between China and Russia" at a meeting in Uzbekistan on September 15 but some noted that the encounter signalled Beijing is offering less than full support for Moscow, per Newsweek.

The video, which as of September 16 has been viewed more than 1.3 million times, shows Putin telling Xi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization that Russia "understands your questions and concerns" about Ukraine.

The clip was shared by the former US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, who wrote: "This is remarkable. Xi is not supporting Putin. No weapons, no ammo, no chips, no real words of solidarity. Just a willingness to buy Russian energy at very discounted prices."

BBC journalist Steve Rosenberg also noted the tone between the leaders, tweeting, "the Kremlin leader has gone and revealed that China is uneasy" about the war in Ukraine.

McFaul also told MSNBC that Putin could have avoided admitting China had questions about the invasion and that the fact "he chose to do so shows that Xi Jinping is not happy with his partner…nobody likes losers."

China has not endorsed Putin's invasion but has increased trade and other ties with Moscow since it was launched. While remaining a key ally for Putin, Beijing is taking care not to fall foul of sanctions imposed by the international community.

Deprived of the technology needed to replenish dwindling arms stocks, Russia has reportedly resorted to turning to pariah states like North Korea for artillery shells and rockets, and Iran for drones, to fill the gaps.

Former US Admiral James Stavridis said there had been a change in the dynamic of the ties between Russia and China, telling MSNBC earlier this month that Beijing will dominate the relationship with Moscow in the coming years.