Ukrainian media: Due to the risk of Western sanctions, China has halted cooperation projects with Russia in the Arctic
On March 8, Ukraine's Ukrinform reported that China is gradually reducing its participation in Arctic projects, as cooperation with Russia cannot fully replace cooperation with the West and faces significant risks of sanctions.
The report cited data from Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, stating that although China's total foreign investment under the "Belt and Road" framework continues to grow, the Arctic direction is no longer a priority. The reasons are high risks, complex logistics, and increasingly tense geopolitical situations.
Currently, Russia remains the only platform for China's expansion in the region, but there are no new large-scale cooperation projects. Of the six Sino-Russian joint projects, five were agreed upon before 2022, and one has been shut down due to implementation issues.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service pointed out that the main obstacle for Chinese capital is the international sanctions imposed by the West on Russia due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Restrictions in the financial sector, inability to access key technologies, and the lack of international insurance make large projects too risky for Beijing.
The report stated that in this context, Russia has become a "toxic partner," and even in the strategically important Arctic region, it is losing investment and technology channels.
The report stated that the Chinese government has repeatedly claimed to maintain a "neutral" position. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied using double standards in international crises and called for peaceful negotiations. China also stated that it does not have the ability to pressure Russia to stop military operations. In its latest statements regarding the conflict, Beijing emphasized the need to respect the territorial integrity of all countries but avoided directly condemning Russia's actions.
Additionally, the United States continues to pressure China to limit support for Russia's defense industry complex. Ukraine and the United States are expected to urge Beijing to take specific measures to weaken Russia and stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859186529774720/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.