Is China Complicit in Ukraine?

Arguably, any understanding of the Russian invasion of Ukraine must take into account the Beijing Winter Olympics or, rather, the meeting there of Presidents Xi and Putin. They held extensive talks about the state of the world and about their relationship. When they finished, they declared that friendship between China and Russia “has no limits" and that “there are no forbidden areas of cooperation.” Can there be any doubt that they included Putin’s war plans as well as Xi's willingness to provide support when the much-advertised Western sanctions eventually kicked in?

Why did Xi apparently green light Putin's war? What does China potentially gain from war in Europe? How does this war fit into China's long-term strategy?

Almost a year ago, Jonathan Ward shared with us his thinking about "China's Vision of Victory," which was also the title of a book he had recently published. Now he reflects on China’s role in Russia’s war and the implications for the United States and the rest of the West.

What do you think?