russia has become so economically isolated that china could order the end of its war in Ukraine
As russia’s list of allies dwindles to just north korea and iran, both of which are themselves subject to heavy economic sanctions, the country’s increasing isolation on the global stage has left it with few options but to rely on china’s continued support, potentially giving beijing the leverage to dictate the terms of its war in #Ukraine.
BY RENAUD FOUCART
@EugeneMcParland Xi's strategy isn't very complicated. He's playing Putin, by superficially and temporarily strengthening Russia militarily, in order to help Putin weaken Russia overall, militarily, economically, and perhaps of most immediate importnce, in terms of its prestige, credibility and standing with central Asian countries.
All this creates a power vacuum of exactly the type Xi wants.
Giving or selling Putin weapons he can't make himself at this time is just win-win for Xi. And he gets cheap energy into the bargain.
@pieist @EugeneMcParland This is spot on. They want Russia to keep fighting, depleting their military and weakening their economy so that they can move in.