The Diplomat: China will not support Russia's “invasion” of Ukraine due to reputational risks
Photo: David Gray / Reuters
China will not support Russia's “invasion” of Ukraine, which is allegedly planned in Moscow, because it involves great reputational risks – both in foreign and domestic policy. This is written by Mu Chunshan, a columnist for The Diplomat, based in the United States.
One of the reasons given by the journalist is the nature of Russian-Chinese cooperation. Unlike the US and its NATO allies, Beijing and Moscow are not committed to helping a side at war. “Therefore, even if a war breaks out between Russia and Ukraine, China will not be obliged to support Russia. During the Crimean crisis seven years ago, China also did not openly support Russia’s position,” Mu Chunshan said.
Another reason is the nature of relations between Beijing and Kiev. The columnist recalls that during the Ukrainian crisis, the Chinese authorities did not criticize their Ukrainian colleagues, they only condemned the United States and NATO. Finally, Mu Chunshan believes that the reluctance of the Chinese side to come to the aid of Moscow in the “invasion” can be explained by the attitude of the Chinese towards Russia. According to the journalist, many of them “have ambiguous views” because Russia was one of the European powers that “encroached on China during the 'age of humiliation'.”
Thus, if the Chinese government openly supports Russia in the Ukrainian crisis, this will make even more Chinese question the justice and legitimacy of their own government.
