Why Xi secretly hates and fears Russia – and may be about to betray Putin

Amid the hostility between Russia and Ukraine, China is playing a strategic and artful diplomatic game.

The world has been watching and speculating about China’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Initially, China appeared to be supportive of Russia, abstaining from voting on a UN resolution condemning the invasion and blaming NATO for provoking Russia.

However, recent reports suggest that China may be rethinking its position. Xi Jinping is rumored to be increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin's handling of the war, and is concerned about the economic impact of Western sanctions on Russia. There are also reports that Xi is worried about the potential for a wider conflict that could draw China into a direct confrontation with the United States.

China’s complex relationship with Russia

China and Russia have a long and complex history. The two countries share a border of over 4,000 kilometers, and have been both allies and rivals at various points in time.

In recent years, the two countries have drawn closer together, united by their shared opposition to the United States. However, there are also significant tensions between the two countries. China is wary of Russia's growing military power, and is concerned about its territorial ambitions in Central Asia.

The Ukraine crisis has further strained relations between China and Russia. Xi Jinping is believed to be unhappy with Putin's decision to invade Ukraine, and is concerned about the potential for a wider conflict that could draw China into a direct confrontation with the United States.

China’s strategic interests in Ukraine

China has a number of strategic interests in Ukraine. First, Ukraine is a major exporter of agricultural products, and China is a major importer of food. China is also interested in Ukraine's energy resources, particularly its natural gas.

Second, Ukraine is a key transit country for China's Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative is a massive infrastructure project that aims to connect China with Europe and Asia. Ukraine is a key part of this project, as it provides a land route between China and Europe.

Third, Ukraine is a buffer zone between Russia and NATO. China is concerned about the expansion of NATO eastward, and sees Ukraine as a key part of its buffer zone against the West.

China’s options in Ukraine

China has a number of options in Ukraine. It could continue to support Russia, but this could lead to further economic sanctions from the West. It could also try to mediate a peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, but this would be difficult given the deep mistrust between the two sides.

Perhaps the most likely option is that China will continue to play a wait-and-see game. Xi Jinping is likely hoping that the conflict in Ukraine will end soon, and that he will be able to maintain good relations with both Russia and the West.

Conclusion: Xi Jinping’s balancing act

Xi Jinping is facing a difficult balancing act in Ukraine. He wants to maintain good relations with Russia, but he is also concerned about the economic impact of Western sanctions and the potential for a wider conflict. Xi is likely hoping that the conflict in Ukraine will end soon, and that he will be able to maintain good relations with both Russia and the West.