, Columnist
Putin Can’t Offer Enough for China’s Help in Ukraine
The Russian leader wants more Chinese support for his war. Xi Jinping is operating according to a different calculus.
Friends without benefits.
Photographer: Pedro Pardo/AFP/Getty Images
This article is for subscribers only.
Skeptics of the “no limits” partnership between Russia and China argue that their past conflict, disparity of power, mutual distrust and geographical proximity will inevitably lead to frictions if not an open break. In fact, something more immediate already divides the two authoritarian powers: their clashing timelines.
When Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Beijing, possibly as soon as this week, few signs of discord will be apparent. Nevertheless, his priorities are likely to clash with those of his host, Chinese President Xi Jinping.