Will China arm Russia?

This issue of the Looking Glass takes a closer look at recent developments in China's approach to the war in Ukraine, focusing on explaining Chinese behaviour.

The March 2022 Looking Glass argued that Beijing was trying to balance its desire to maintain the so-called 'no limits' strategic relationship with Russia against the collateral damage to its interests that could flow from being too close to an increasingly isolated Moscow. It was also argued that until that point (i.e. March 2022) Beijing's actions demonstrated this 'straddle' was because China remained a cautious, interests-based actor intent on protecting its diplomatic and economic relationships with the rest of the world.

One year on – as reports emerge that China may provide lethal aid to Russia, in the form of drones and/or munitions – it is appropriate to revisit this judgement.

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