So Putin and Trump came to Beijing weakened by their wars. But China has no friends – it sees its own interests above all.
China profits from the wars
Trump delivered a eulogy for Xi during his visit to Beijing. It is an honor to be the friend of the Chinese President. He came as a supplicant and hoped for deals favorable to the USA. And Putin may also spread fear in Europe. But in Beijing he is not the great driver of history. He is the man who has to sell: Russian raw materials, loyalty, trade deals. Russia needs China as economic life insurance.
Xi is only too happy to oblige. He buys, but on his terms. And he plays on several chessboards.
China has never condemned Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Beijing claims that it does not supply weapons to Moscow. But Russia receives a large amount of goods from China that can be used for civil and military purposes. Chips, electronics, machines, drone parts – all of this can prolong the war. Xi is not pulling the trigger himself. But he ensures that Putin continues to have ammunition for his fight against the West.
This is the cynical core of this relationship: China talks about peace and benefits from war.
At the same time, Xi does not want Russia to collapse. A weakened Russia is useful for China. A crumbling Russia would be dangerous. The two countries share a long border. Both are united by their aversion to a world order shaped by the USA. Both despise liberal democracy, independent courts and free media.
Putin and Xi – both want power. With one difference: Moscow is brutal, but often crude. Beijing is more patient. Russia relies on tanks, missiles and threats. China is also arming itself militarily, but it primarily uses dependencies, supply chains, raw materials and diplomacy. Putin is waging war because he is losing power. Xi is building up power because others are exhausting themselves in wars.
