The Intelligence from The Economist All that Xi wants: China’s Ukraine dilemma
Mar 2, 2022
Gadi Epstein, the China affairs editor for The Economist, delves into China’s delicate position in the Ukraine crisis, skillfully balancing its ties with Russia while considering global repercussions. He explores the implications of Russia’s actions and how China’s diplomatic stance impacts their relationship with Western nations. Epstein also discusses the statistical reliability of COVID-19 death counts, revealing potential manipulations, and introduces research suggesting that increasing women's representation in politics can combat corruption.
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China-Russia Relations
- China and Russia's close relationship is partly due to shared pressure from the West, particularly from America.
- They also share similar ideological views and aligned interests, stemming from their political systems and outlooks.
China's Calculated Ambiguity
- China's public response to the invasion has been ambiguous, calling for de-escalation while supporting Russia's grievances and blaming the U.S. and NATO.
- They haven't condemned Russia's actions or used the word "invasion."
China's Economic Role
- China is likely to fill some gaps created by sanctions on Russia, particularly in technology and finance.
- However, the impact on oil and gas trade remains uncertain, depending on the Biden administration's actions.