Russia's “limitless” friend: can China help in the restoration of Ukraine

The Economist has analyzed whether China will help Ukraine in the future/Collage 24 Channel

Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, destroying populated areas. In frontline areas, villages and small towns are quickly turning into ruins, so Ukraine is planning reconstruction programs after the war.

Ukraine has repeatedly held meetings and conferences on this issue. A number of countries have already agreed and taken the cities under their guardianship. Western media journalists analyzed whether China will be able to join the Ukrainian reconstruction program.

Diplomatic ties with China have not been severed

Although China claims to be neutral, it supports Russia on some issues. For example, Beijing helps the occupiers evade Western sanctions. However, China has not severed business and political ties with Ukraine. Beijing was also dependent on the grain agreement in Ukraine. After all, China was one of the largest recipients of grain cargo from our country.

Before the full-scale invasion began, Kyiv and Beijing were improving their relations. Thus, Chinese companies began to enter into agreements to build and finance the construction of a new metro line. Also, Vladimir Zelensky told Xi Jinping in 2021 that Ukraine should be a “bridge to Europe” for China.

So far, the EU is hinting that China will be able to return to business agreements after the war ends. Journalists suggest that in this way in Europe they want to persuade Beijing to fight Ukraine. China has already begun to work on its image and is trying to become peacemakers. In particular, in February 202, Xi Jinping presented his own vision of the peace formula and announced 12 points for “conflict resolution.” However, Beijing’s proposals were met with bitterness, because they did not envisage a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, Xi Jinping asserted that his country is “ready to provide assistance and play a constructive role in post-war reconstruction.”

However, The Economist argues that it is too early to talk about this . After all, Beijing will have to choose between Ukraine and Russia. Provided that Beijing begins to openly support Kyiv and help in reconstruction, Russia may become “angry” and the “boundless friendship” of these countries may be under attack.

Ukraine negotiated with China about the construction of its own infrastructure back in 2013. In 2017, Beijing launched the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, within the framework of which innovative construction was planned in Ukraine. However, in 2014, Russia occupied Crimea and part of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, and in 2022 it launched a full-scale invasion. All this taken together supposedly “scares off” Beijing. While China cannot give up friendship with Russia and continues to morally support the occupiers, it is too early to talk about their involvement in the restoration of Ukraine.

How Xi's visit to the United States could affect support for Russia

US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held an important meeting on November 15. Experts note that the main result of these negotiations is the resumption of communication between the Chinese and American militaries.

However, China, according to experts, will continue to help Russia with weapons, but not to that extent.

“China still lays claim to world hegemony. It will arm Russia against Ukraine. But Russian support will continue to be limited. This is very important This will not be the support that the West provides to Ukraine,” the expert said.