"Xi-Putin Summit: Implications for Russia's War and Message to the West"

The recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not result in China providing military aid to Russia in its war on Ukraine. Instead, Xi is tightening his relationship with Putin to keep the US focused on Europe and distracted from China's activities in East Asia. China is promising economic investment in Russia, but not expanding military ties. The joint statement issued by the two sides was vague about the nature of the new relationship, but it suggests that the war in Ukraine will continue with China's economic assistance helping to keep Putin in power.