By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During his Moscow visit on May 8th, Xi Jinping publicly endorsed Vladimir Putin and their shared vision for a new world order, explicitly aligning China with Russia’s justification for the war in Ukraine. This joint statement, emphasizing the need to address the war’s “root causes,” mirrors Kremlin propaganda. Xi and Putin pledged enhanced military and economic cooperation, aiming to counter US influence and increase bilateral trade by 2030. This strengthened partnership provides significant support to Russia amidst Western pressure to end the conflict.
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Xi Jinping’s support for Vladimir Putin’s position on the war in Ukraine is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. The lack of direct quotes from Xi Jinping regarding the conflict, however, makes definitively assessing his stance challenging. Much of the perceived support is inferred from actions and contextual analysis rather than explicit statements.
The alignment between Xi and Putin appears driven by several factors, including a shared desire to challenge the perceived dominance of the United States in global affairs. Both leaders view the US as a threat, and a collaborative approach against the US seemingly emerges as a central tenet of their relationship. This explains the focus on banding together against the US rather than direct pronouncements on the Ukraine situation.
Some observers interpret Xi’s silence on the atrocities committed in Ukraine as tacit approval. The absence of condemnation, coupled with continued economic and political ties with Russia, fuels this interpretation. The argument goes that if Xi were truly opposed to Putin’s actions, a more forceful statement would have been made. The silence is viewed by many as complicity, especially given the parallel between Russia’s actions in Ukraine and China’s ambitions towards Taiwan.
The economic incentives further complicate the picture. Russia represents a significant trading partner for China, and the maintenance of this relationship likely weighs heavily in Xi’s calculations. The potential economic benefits of supporting Russia outweigh the potential costs of international condemnation for many observers. The pursuit of economic interests, in this instance, seemingly overshadows any moral or ethical concerns.
The strategic implications of Putin’s success in Ukraine are also relevant. A successful Russian invasion, even a partial one, could embolden Xi to pursue his own expansionist goals towards Taiwan. Many believe this is precisely why Xi is offering Putin implicit support, seeing it as a potential template for his own future actions. A win for Russia in Ukraine might be considered a win for Xi’s strategy regarding Taiwan.
However, it’s important to note that not all Chinese citizens approve of this stance. Many are unaware of or unconvinced by the justifications offered by the Russian side. This suggests a significant disconnect between the official Chinese position and the sentiments of a portion of the Chinese population. The lack of open discussion in China regarding the conflict further obscures the true nature of public opinion.
The narrative surrounding Xi’s support for Putin is further clouded by propaganda and misinformation. State-controlled media outlets in both countries carefully curate the information shared with their respective populations, shaping the narrative to suit their political goals. This makes it difficult to obtain an objective view of the situation and leads to interpretations based on incomplete or biased information. The selective emphasis on condemning Trump instead of addressing the Ukraine conflict adds to this information fog.
Ultimately, Xi Jinping’s stance on the war in Ukraine remains ambiguous, even shrouded in intentional obfuscation. While there is no direct public statement of support, the absence of condemnation, continued economic ties with Russia, and the perceived strategic alignment suggest a tacit, or perhaps calculated, approval of Putin’s actions. The lack of clarity serves to reinforce the inherent unpredictability of international relations in the current geopolitical climate. The perception of Xi’s support for Putin remains a major point of contention and a key factor influencing global politics.