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Why China Benefits The Most From An Isolated Russia
Geography, history, and energy
As Russia continues to double down on its aggressive war in Ukraine, it has become increasingly isolated on the world stage. Western Europe has turned its back on the energy giant, NATO is committed to supplying weapons to Ukraine, and the rest of the world is keeping a wary eye on the situation. The isolation caused Russia’s economy to rapidly shift away from an integrated world economy to a more insulated economy. The effects have been mixed in Russia itself, but the isolation is undeniable. The West continues to hope that isolation will do enough damage to Russia to hamper its ability to make war in Ukraine.
One country that benefits the most from a completely isolated Russia is China. China is more than happy to see Russia completely severed from the West and from NATO. The more distance between Russia and the United States, the better for China.
China benefits from an isolated Russia in three key ways. First, it keeps Russia as a potential ally in the future for a potential struggle with the United States. Second, it gives China a potential escape from the US cordon placed around it. Third, it gives China a source of cheap energy for future development.
