But if China is truly doing as you posted, then Xi is either stupid or he's merely gambling. Because it risks Russia becoming an enemy from the East. Geo-politically, China NEEDS Russia to be its partner.
On the one hand, I agree with you, in politics, friendship is more of a symbiosis than an honest, selfless friendship.
But in relation to China/Russia, this is a “one-sided”, unhealthy symbiosis.
I will explain so that it does not look like an unfounded assumption.
For example:
- "Friendship" of the EU. Mutually beneficial coexistence of geographically close countries, with the aim of building a united “compensatory economy”, and opposition to the dollar economy in European countries. There are other points, but I would call these important
- Friendship USA\Israel. There is real mutual benefit here. For the United States, Israel is an element of influence in the East, and Israel receives enormous financial and military assistance. Although I will add - there are a lot of controversial issues in their relationship and even confrontation.
- And our “couple” China and Russia. What is China's benefit from Russia? None! In today's situation, Russia is simply supplying cheap resources in exchange for China's silence and its neutral position on many issues. Well, plus, as I wrote, “a stick for poking” into everything that can lead to problems. Plus a controlled performer of any “dirty deeds”, completely dependent on China. Those. China is carrying out its “dirty deeds” through the hands of Russia. Including attempts to weaken the Western world, the United States, and their influence. There is NO other practical benefit from Russia. as there are no partnerships. Moreover, China has “views” of Russian territory, especially forests, fertile lands and.... WATER! Believe me, it’s only a matter of time before Russia openly or secretly gives up Baikal to China... The only caveat is that China needs Russia whole, not torn apart by the loss in the war against Ukraine. That's why we observe him acting like this.
Those. The relationship between China and Russia is not a partnership with a reservation, but a relationship between Master and Slave.
I believe not, and if that's your opinion, then OK. I respect it. But shower-thought, if China won't truly engage in a real partnership with Russia, and merely want to treat their neighbors as their "slaves", then again as I posted before, Russia can switch sides and attack the "master" in exchange for the lifting of sanctions and immunity from war crimes.
China would need real allies if they truly want to invade and occupy Taiwan. They can't merely treat Russia as a "slave". Perhaps later if they take over and become the THE super power. China going to be like the United States. A bully.