Xi Jinping and Chinese-ization of Russia

The visit of the Chinese leader to Moscow poses an existential question for Russian clans - to be or not to be, just like Hamlet. Putin is now considered a criminal by the West, and the warrant for his arrest can no longer be revoked or ignored. Russian elites definitely did not sign up to be influenced by China under the leadership of someone who received The Hague’s warrant. 

The increasing popularity of Chinese cars, goods, and the yuan as the primary currency (with private deposits in yuan being actively offered to Russians) indicates the start of the "Chinese-ization" of Russia.

Russian elites definitely did not sign up to be influenced by China under the leadership of someone who received The Hague’s warrant 

Xi proposed joint projects in resource extraction and infrastructure, leaving Putin with little choice but to negotiate. If successful, this collaboration could see Russia gradually become to China what Belarus is to Russia, though Putin may find it harder to annex Belarus following Lukashenko's visit to Beijing. China prioritizes its own interests and benefits from Russia's weakening, as it provides indirect control over the country. Many in Russia are already considering this possibility, and following the warrant for Putin's arrest, this scenario may become a pressing concern for Russian elites. With much to lose, it may soon be too late for them to act.

Source

About the author.  Pavlo Klimkin, diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.