Russia’s reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

Russia’s reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

Russia is increasingly reliant on China for support as the U.S. and Western allies continue sanctions over the war in Ukraine. But Beijing's aims aren't always aligned with Moscow.

Russia’s reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

Beijing tried to mollify Putin's government by agreeing Moscow would be in charge of security affairs in Central Asia while China would focus on trade.

Russia's reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

Like a salesman buttering up his best customer, President Vladimir Putin gushed about China's economic success as he welcomed Chinese leader Xi Jinping to

Russia's reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas exports, pumping billions of dollars into Russia's treasury and helping the Kremlin resist Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. However, Russia's reliance on China is accelerating its slide into the junior role in an uneasy relationship with Xi's government.

Russia’s reliance on China rises amid Ukraine sanctions

China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil and gas, which pumps billions of dollars into Putin’s treasury and helps the Kremlin resist Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine

Putin and Xi call each other a 'dear friend.' But their main common cause is the U.S.

Vladimir Putin is relishing Xi Jinping's visit and their shared hostility toward the U.S., but not all of Russia's and China's interests align.