Tensions are growing between Russia and China in Central Asia - diplomat Matthew Bryza
Matthew Bryza, a diplomat and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, noted that China did not help Russia with east-west transit and directed most of its trade to and through Central Asia
He told about this on Espreso TV Channel.
"From the meeting in Uzbekistan, which took place a few weeks ago, it became clear that neither Xi Jinping nor Modi will support Russia in its war against Ukraine. They made it clear that they disapproved of Russia's actions. And if Putin used nuclear weapons, you would see concrete resistance from China. In addition, tensions between Russia and China in Central Asia are growing. China did not intervene or help Russia with east-west transit within the "One Belt One Road" initiative, and the rest of the world decided not to use transit and routes through Russia. Beijing did not interfere and did not violate the sanctions imposed on Russia. Instead, China directs most of its trade to and through Central Asia," the diplomat commented.
Matthew Bryza pointed out that Xi Jinping has upset the balance in Chinese politics and consolidated power, approaching the level of Mao Zedong. He also humiliated his predecessor, Hu Jintao, by expelling him from China's party congress. It was a demonstration of Xi Jinping's extraordinary political power.
"Xi does not need Russia, a junior partner in any partnership with China. Shortly before the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, there was talk of a partnership without restrictions, but restrictions exist. The most obvious thing is that China does not violate the sanctions imposed on Russia," Bryza noted.
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