China’s support of Russia's Ukraine invasion has a breaking point: expert
story
Ukraine War: US Warns China Not to Support Russia
Last updated Jul 29, 2022
Image credit: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs [via Newsweek]Facts
- On Mon, Biden's national security advisor met with a top PRC official in Rome and warned against China providing military or economic support to Russia.
- On Tues, China reiterated that its position on the Ukraine war was "completely objective, impartial, and constructive." Both China and Russia have denied reports that Moscow requested military equipment from Beijing.
- China's foreign minister also stated that it doesn't want to be impacted by Western economic sanctions on Russia, blaming the conflict on "European security contradictions over the years."
- Last week, China said it was willing to work with the international community and mediate the war in Ukraine while also criticizing Western sanctions.
- China has so far taken a neutral view of the conflict, criticizing NATO and not condemning Russia's actions. Xi and Putin issued a statement in the weeks before the invasion describing the Russia-China relationship as a "no limits" partnership.
- Last Thurs, CIA Director Burns told the US Congress that Xi is "unsettled" by the brutality of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and has concerns about the potential damage to Beijing's reputation.
Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
China has been enabling, cheerleading, and protecting Russia's brutality so far. However, the bite of economic sanctions and a loss of face is making Beijing think twice. The PRC doesn't want to be viewed as a global pariah.
Pro-China narrative
China has a vital role on the global stage to help resolve this conflict. From the economy, to energy, to supply chains and humanitarian issues, the whole world has much to lose from this war. China will stand alongside the EU, US, Russia, and NATO to support a safe and stable Europe.
Anti-China narrative
There's a major disconnect. China is positioning itself as a neutral peace broker for its international audience, but its domestic and social media messaging is deeply aligned with the Kremlin. PRC and Russian outlets are rampantly amplifying the identical talking points and conspiracy theories. For their massive audiences at home, Xi and Putin are on the same page.
