Though China has still not put blame on Russia, the country has stated that the killing of civilians is disturbing and should be investigated. Some speculate that with this news it is possible that China’s support of Russia could be weakening. Though whenever a Chinese official talks about the killings and attacks in Ukraine they either don’t mention Russian forces or don’t put any blame on them. Though this tactic of siding with allies is not new to China, they have done it in the similar situation in 2010. Though there are not many risks with China helping Russia when it comes to the country’s ability to listen to other countries, like how they continuously ignore human rights abuses. Though China is also mostly worried about the stability of its country with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic whiching is hitting the city of Shanghai very hard, plus key issues in the government later in the year.
I believe that what China is doing is cowardly. They have noticed what is happening in Ukraine, the horrific attacks and killings. They have denounced what is happening but they wont put blame on the people and government which is inflicting so much pain on the country. I know that China probably won’t listen to any punishments given to them, if they are given any, but with China being such a key figure in the world, they should be speaking out on the hard issues. Though I also believe that more people or governments should speak against what China is doing even if they are such a major player.
This relates to international relations because it is in China’s national interest to support Russia. This is because China does not want Putin out of office and after this war, they could benefit from an even weaker Russia in the international system. This would also help in advancement in military technology through Russian energy resources that China would be able to gain easier with a closer alliance to Russia. Also with both countries being main stakeholders in the Security Council it sheds a new light on how the world is divided. Since both of these countries have veto rights it is possible that either countries could get off scot free after this conflict is over.