Russia is frustrated by the insufficient support from China. “China will always defend the interests of the Chinese people” – Observer

A few weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, Russia and China swore to an “unlimited” partnership, but in recent weeks, Russian officials have expressed some frustration in their interaction with the Chinese governmentregarding what they consider insufficient support in the “special military operation” that began 100 days ago in Ukraine.

This is the idea that was transferred to Washington Post by Chinese and US diplomatic sources. Based on the contacts made by the American newspaper, Chinese officials have indicated their willingness to help Russia but without risking any insult to international sanctions imposed on Moscow.

China will have placed a set of limits on what is available to do to support Russia, which has infuriated Moscow. In at least two meetings that the sources who spoke to the Washington Post described as “tense,” Russia will ask Beijing for new means of economic support. Specifically, the issue was to re-check the “trade agreements” that already existed before the invasion, as well as certain types of technological assistance that Russia needed and could no longer obtain in the West.

A source close to Beijing summed up the Chinese position succinctly: “China has already made clear its position on Ukraine and on the illegal sanctions applied to Russia.” However, the same source added: “We understand the situation in Russia. But we will not ignore our situation in this dialogue. China will always act in the interest of the Chinese people.“.