Russia’s war in Ukraine has been going on without interruption for more than 26 months, and Moscow shows no signs of wanting to end the conflict anytime soon. John Bryson, a British expert at the University of Birmingham claims that China could force Vladimir Putin to leave Ukraine, sending “a major shock wave” to Moscow. This could happen if Beijing makes a key move and withdraws its support for Russia.
Russia could be hit by Western weapons and crippling sanctions as its war in Ukraine continues, according to MSN.
But one reason the Kremlin may be able to continue the bloody onslaught is no thanks to China, which has reportedly helped fuel Putin’s war machine.
According to John Bryson, a professor of economic geography at the University of Birmingham, UK, that could all change if China changes its stance.
He told Daily Express US: “China wants to win on all fronts, and that includes trying to balance the tension between supporting Russia and trying to change the relationship with the US.”
“However, if China were to change its position on Ukraine, then it would send a major shock wave to Russia that would force the Kremlin to reconsider its options. One result could be a withdrawal of Russia from Ukrainian territory.”
He noted that Beijing’s position is unlikely to change. If it were, Professor Byrson said it would be “groundbreaking”.
But that didn’t stop US Secretary of State Antony Blinken from trying. He visited China on a three-day foray this week as he seeks to encourage China to rethink its position.
China currently provides Russia’s military with a number of vital supplies. These include microelectronics for its high-tech weapons, optics, cruise missile technology and a weapons propellant called nitrocellulose.
Any reduction in the supply of these components and raw materials would pose a “significant challenge for Russia”, Professor Bryson said. All eyes are now on the secretary of state, who appears prepared to warn China of sanctions if it continues to arm Russia with the technology.
But this will be difficult because both China and the US “have very specific views, interests, motivations and desires.” Professor Bryson said: “China needs to work with the US and other countries to try to stabilize the international economy.
“This includes reducing trade barriers, but also trying to facilitate the end of conflicts that hold back global economic growth.”
Shanghai Communist Party chief Chen Jining warned on Thursday: “If China and the US choose cooperation or confrontation, it affects the well-being of both peoples, nations and also the future of humanity.”
