Russia’s Reliance on China
Due to the aggression that Russia has inflicted on Ukraine, many countries placed sanctions against Russia. The US, Canada, and the EU have imposed sanctions on Russia because of the Russo - Ukrainian War. In total, over 30 countries imposed sanctions, which led to over 1,000 companies discontinuing operations in Russia. This cut Russia’s supply on products from foreign markets, which impacted their economy. The US and other countries have lowered their trade with Russia dramatically.
China Supports Russia
Conflicts with the US and other countries strengthened China and Russia’s relations. The Sino-Russian relationship isn’t a documented alliance but they agreed to help each other economically. Before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia didn’t need to rely on China as much, but they were still trade partners. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they were pushed under China’s wing. Unlike other countries, China sided with Russia and claimed that NATO and the US were at fault. The United States has been a common threat to both Russia and China. China’s concern lies in the United States’ approach to rebalance Asia. Russia’s scared of NATO expanding their territory to encroach further on Russian borders. Together, both countries' reasoning to be anti-United States led them to form agreements to help each other economically.
No Limits?
How far would China go to help Russia, though? When Xi Jinping, leader of China, met with Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, they announced their friendship as one with “no limits”. Yet, Beijing was scared to be accused of Western Sanction violations and quietly refused to send any military help to Russia. This led Russia to request support from North Korea. North Korea aided Russia in their invasion of Ukraine by providing weaponry. They sold Russia millions of rockets and shells, according to US intelligence. China feared the US cutting connections with them as well, and since they are reliant on Americans to further their growth, they comply with terms the US has set. They rely on the US due to the fact that the US is their top trading partner. In 2021 alone, they made $521 billion just off of exports to the US. Losing the US as a trading partner would be disadvantageous. Clearly, China won’t risk their economy to help Putin.
Mutually Beneficial
Yet, they have economically benefited from each other, specifically through trading. China has bought oil and coal from Russia to help China fix their energy problem, which was caused by a drought and heat waves. China’s purchases caused this year's spending on Russian products to skyrocket by 60%. The EU halted their purchase of Russian oil, leaving Russia desperate for buyers. Russia urgently needed China for trading and keeping their economy stable, while China used Russia because it was beneficial, but not crucial. Putin had lost most of his trade partners and allowed China to use Russia to their advantage because of their large supply of oil. As of 2022, China’s largest trading partner was the United States (17.2 % of total exports). Yet, Russia’s top trading partner has been and continues to be China (13.8% of total exports). This showed the power imbalance, because Russia needed China more than China needed Russia. China took advantage of the situation Russia put themselves in. Russia’s loss of the EU as trading partners had left them vulnerable and in need of China’s support. Aside from imports from Russia, China filled the void of products Russia was missing, such as cars and cell phones. Companies like Apple and Toyota used to profit in Russia, but cut all connections with Russia since the invasion. China embraced this and used it to their advantage, stocking Russian stores and dealerships with Chinese products.
It seems as if China’s interest doesn’t lie with helping Russia through the war, but in keeping their trade partners and benefiting wherever they can. Former Under Secretary of State for Economic growth, Energy and the Environment in the United States, Keith Krach, says "Russia's war in Ukraine is not in China's interest, but given Western hostility, China will not oppose Russia”.