Experts discussed China's involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. While China officially denies supplying weapons to Russia, it supports Moscow through economic channels. China purchases Russian resources at significant discounts, giving a boost to its own economy, and sells goods to Russia and Europe at elevated prices, strengthening its economic presence.
European countries, in light of this, are reconsidering their ties with China, as economic pressure—including restrictions on rare earth metals—negatively affects the EU's economy. As a result, the European Union is forced to take security and economic issues into account in its relations with China.
So far, China is avoiding direct involvement in the war and has adopted a wait-and-see approach. Experts observe that China benefits from the growing dependence of Russia, while both Russia and Ukraine are weakened by the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, global rivalry continues between the US and China, particularly in trade and energy domains.
Future scenarios were also discussed: should Russia become weaker internally, China may use the opportunity to expand its economic or even political influence, possibly over emerging regional entities. Control of energy resources—such as oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Saudi Arabia—remains a key factor in relations among the US, China, and Russia.
In summary, China currently refrains from direct involvement in the war but actively uses the situation to its advantage in global economic and political arenas. Europe is compelled to adjust its policies toward China, especially regarding sanctions and cooperation in the fields of trade and energy.
