China and Russia issued a joint statement of mutual support on Feb. 4, but how deep is that relationship, and what can we expect from China as a result of Russia’s war on Ukraine?
- Yun Sun, senior fellow and co-director of the East Asia Program at the Stimson Center, said Putin’s decision shocked many in China despite intelligence clues, probably because it contradicted traditional Chinese military philosophy.
- Sun said China will not directly oppose Russia in light of the recent agreement and that China considers Russia a very powerful, useful partner in Great Power Competition against the United States.
- Sun said the situation may soften Chinese aggression towards Taiwan because swift military victory by Russia in Ukraine, which China expected, has not happened, indicating local resistance in general may be stronger than expected.
