FCCC Talk: Positive Neutrality? China’s on Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi reaffirmed yesterday that China-Russia ties are “rock solid.” This comes as Chinese officials are trying to sound neutral, and vague on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Beijing’s stance has not changed despite ongoing q e brutal Russian attacks of civilians. Why is China sticking with Russia, and what is China’s rational for doing so? Did China miscalculate?

About the speaker: Justyna Szczudlik is a Deputy Head of Research, and China analyst with the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM). Former Head of Asia-Pacific Program (2016-2021). She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Warsaw (2015), an MA in Chinese Studies from the University of Warsaw (2008) and an MA in Political Science from the University of Wroclaw (2002). She studied Chinese language at the College of Advanced Chinese Training, Beijing Language and Culture University (2005-2006), Beijing and at the National Cheng-chi University in Taipei (2013). Her research focuses on China’s foreign policy, especially China-EU/Central and Eastern Europe relations as well as Cross-Strait relations.