Opinion by David Ignatius: A strong China is bolstering a weak Russia. By playing the peacemaker, the Chinese leader is trying to strengthen his sway over Eurasia. If he succeeds, we will live in a darker world.
in Moscow this week between the two countries’ leaders. The Chinese aren’t providing weapons , but Xi certainly offered moral and psychological support in what might be described as a get-well visit to an ailing relative. White House spokesman John Kirby on Tuesday rightly called Putin a “junior partner.”
The paradox of the Ukraine war is that Putin’s bid for greater power in Europe has made him weaker. This diminished Russia will fall increasingly under China’s sway — unless there’s an unlikely turn post-Ukraine and a Western-leaning leader replaces Putin. Maybe that’s the biggest reason for Xi’s fraternal visit: He is bolstering a flank against America and the West.China’s dominance over a weaker Russia will take many forms in the coming years.
Now it’s Xi who is the triangulator. He is playing off the bitter split between the United States and Russia, helping Putin, but also keeping a bit of distance, too. Xi similarly used China’s close relations with Iran to make the diplomatic breakthrough between Riyadh and Tehran that the United States could never achieve.
Though Putin was beaming in Xi’s reflected glow this week, the visit was a reminder of just how isolated the Russian leader is. President Biden hosts a prominent foreign leader at the White House every other week. When was the last time you saw a major foreign leader visit the Kremlin? Xi’s get-well visit will give his “dear friend” Putin a psychological boost and help his domestic popularity. But other than China and a few outliers, Russian stands alone.
The bottom line: The International Criminal Court indicted Putin last week for war crimes. Xi is his only powerful friend. Dealing with them separately is bad enough. If they truly become partners in Eurasia, sharing dominion under a Chinese banner, that would be worse.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
A Very Unscientific, Mom-Centric Examination Of The Best Girl Scout CookiesBecause everyone -- especially moms -- has an opinion.
Les mer »
Putin praises 'good old friend' Xi ahead of Chinese leader's Moscow visitXi described his visit as a 'journey of friendship, cooperation and peace.'
Les mer »
Thai PM slips in opinion poll, rival pulls ahead as election loomsThai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha fell further behind his main election rival, the daughter of popular billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, a new opinion poll showed, as the nation awaited the dissolution of parliament ahead of elections.
Les mer »
Xi calls for punishment after several Chinese killed in Central AfricaChinese President Xi Jinping calls for Central African Republic authorities to 'severely punish' the killers of nine Chinese nationals in an attack on a mine
Les mer »
Europe's hopes for busy post-COVID summer dim as Chinese tourists stay awayUrs Kessler, who runs Jungfrau Railways, a train that takes tourists up the highest mountain in Switzerland, was excited for the return of Chinese tourists after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted late last year.
Les mer »
Chinese leader Xi Jinping makes 1st Moscow visit as Putin wages Ukraine warPutin and Xi will touch on issues related to Ukraine, a spokesman said. They added that Russia's president will likely offer a “detailed explanation' of Moscow's view on the current situation.
Les mer »