Russia threatens to become an economic colony of China, says CIA director William Burns. He said Russian President Putin’s military campaign in Ukraine is “a massive strategic failure” and Moscow could soon become heavily dependent on Beijing to prop up Russia’s economy.
CIA Director William Burns said Tuesday that the energy partnership between the two countries could lead to Russia becoming an “economic colony of China.” “If you look at the reality, Russia is becoming increasingly dependent on China and in some ways is at risk of eventually becoming an economic colony of China,” said Burns. According to the CIA director, Beijing continues to refuse to go along with Western sanctions.
Beijing previously stated that the friendship between them and Moscow has “no limits”. Now that Russia’s economic situation is becoming increasingly difficult due to the sanctions, China appears to be lending a hand to its northern neighbors by, among other things, buying Russian energy, including crude oil and coal, and replacing Western suppliers who left the country. “China is reaping the benefits of the Western exodus from Russia,” Burns said.
LOOK. Beijing: “Strong ties between China and Russia are ‘necessary’”
Over the past year, Russians have had to find alternatives to everything from fast food chains to car manufacturers. The Chinese have now been able to fill that gap well, so that the Russian market seems to be becoming heavily dependent on Chinese goods. Chinese products accounted for 40 percent of Russian goods imports by the end of 2022. Only North Korea is more dependent on Chinese products.
Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Moscow where he signed agreements with Putin to further expand their strategic partnership. China can expect a reliable energy supply in the long term. “I think the partnership between Xi Jinping’s China and Vladimir Putin’s Russia is a strong partnership today,” Burns said.
“Neutral Party”
China is trying to be a “neutral party” in the war between Russia and Ukraine, but critics say Beijing tacitly approves of the Russian invasion. The West hopes that the Chinese will use their influence to convince Putin to end the war. At the same time, it is feared that China plans to supply arms to Russia.
LOOK. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the end of February, China has mostly expressed its support for Russian President Vladimir Putin
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