Russia and China - Maybe Not So Close

This is a follow on from my last post . . .

Okay, I shall start by offering this concept about the ties between Russia and China. First of all, let's get real, these two dictatorial entities have no love for the West, especially NATO. It is an inborn hatred even though both depend largely on exporting to British, European and American countries and beyond. The brutal fact is Putin's forces have already killed hundreds of innocent men, women and children. And just a few moments ago the news about a maternity hospital targeted and the killing of God knows how many newly-born. This is a disastrous example of Putin's regime's strategies to instill fear into Ukraine in an effort to have Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, somehow give up, abandon the fight. That isn't happening. When I heard yesterday that Russian soldiers have been raping innocent and defenceless women - well that really did it for me! Absolutely sickening!

Let's go back to, say, around late January. Around then Putin was aware of the opening of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, and I believe Vladimir Putin held talks with his Chinese dictatorial counterpart, Xi Jinping. In a joint statement, Russia and China hailed a new era in international relations where “a trend has emerged towards a redistribution of power in the world.” But what we shall never know is this, in my opinion, I reckon Putin told Xi all about his forthcoming invasion of Ukraine! But Xi told Putin don't do anything until after the games have finished. Putin agreed. About four days after the finish of the games, Putin invaded Ukraine. I don't have to mention here all the hellish carnage that has ensued.

This autocrat, Xi Jinping, two days ago, called for 'maximum restraint' in Ukraine and said China is 'pained to see the flames of war reignited in Europe,' state media reported, in his strongest statement to date on the conflict. For Xi to come out with this statement tells you everything. He is shit scared of the financial consequences spilling over the border from Russia. Because with energy prices going through the roof, people throughout Europe will be holding back on their spending and this will have a detrimental effect on the Chinese economy and it's all down to his mate, Putin.

But there is one major concern for Xi. What he is seeing in Europe is Russia, a major global power, invading and attempting to take over what it sees as a Russian sovereign state. Xi of course has made it known for ages that Taiwan is a legitimate part of China. He has threatened the small island on numerous occasions during the last twelve months. Now, however, he is seeing the financial consequences for Russia where its currency has dropped to the point where it is almost worthless in the global sphere. Sanctions are slowly but surely cutting off Russia from the rest of the world. With the invasion of Taiwan, does Xi Jinping want his country to become a pariah state like Russia with similar financial repercussions? I think not – we shall see!