Russia is actively asking for military and economic support from its partners. So recently, Putin has increasingly begun to turn to China with a request for military assistance.
The countries have strong economic ties, with trade reaching a record $147 billion last year.
Regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, the Chinese government has publicly called on both sides to de-escalate tensions – and in particular has not called the Russian military operation an invasion.
The president of the US Council on Foreign Affairs, Richard Haas , tweeted that Putin is asking for help from Xi Jinp and believes that Russian help will make China an exile country.
“It means that China will be open to significant sanctions and will make itself a pariah. A refusal would leave open the possibility of at least selective cooperation with the US and the West. A defining moment for Xi, China and the 21st century,” wrote Richard Haas.
