Part 10/15:
On the international front, China’s stance on the Ukraine war has become more transparent—though not publicly. During a closed-door meeting in Brussels, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly privately told EU officials that Beijing cannot accept a Russian defeat in Ukraine. This admission suggests that China prefers a prolonged conflict, aiming to weaken U.S. influence and stretch its resources thin, which could delay Washington’s strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific.
Despite publicly distancing itself from direct involvement, China’s official rhetoric still advocates for negotiations and a ceasefire. However, behind closed doors, Chinese officials seem to signal a desire for Russia to remain engaged in Ukraine indefinitely, perhaps to preserve their own strategic interests.