Economist Podcasts All that Xi wants: China’s Ukraine dilemma
Mar 2, 2022
China is caught in a diplomatic dance, trying to balance its support for Russia while managing its image amid global tensions. The podcast delves into the unsettling discrepancies in COVID-19 death tolls worldwide and the mathematical methods used to uncover these inaccuracies. It also discusses the intriguing link between women's representation in government and lower corruption rates, suggesting that more female leaders could lead to cleaner governance.
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China-Russia Relations
- The China-Russia relationship is the closest it's been in 70 years, strengthened by shared ideological views and perceived Western pressure.
- Xi Jinping's endorsement of Putin's NATO stance marks a pivotal moment and a significant risk.
China's Diplomatic Tightrope
- China is attempting to maintain a balanced position, calling for de-escalation and talks while supporting Russia's grievances against the U.S. and NATO.
- Their diplomatic language avoids condemning Russia's actions or using the term "invasion."
China Filling the Gap
- China is likely to fill some gaps left by Western sanctions on Russia, particularly in technology and finance.
- The impact on oil and gas trade remains uncertain, but China could even increase business with Russia in this area.