Russian President Vladimir Putin has transitioned from the status of an important partner of China to becoming increasingly dependent on Beijing and Xi Jinping. According to some Chinese and Russian analysts and officials, Beijing is discreetly strengthening its relations with the Russian ruling class.
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) writes that, after Putin demonstratively severed ties with the West, Russia has effectively become China’s junior partner, and Beijing is “manipulating it cautiously and without publicity, but to its own advantage.”
According to the authors of the article, who have spoken with officials and analysts from both China and Russia, Beijing is discreetly strengthening its relations with the Russian ruling class, not limiting itself to Putin and his close circle.
“The Chinese are strengthening their ties with officials and elites who will shape Russia’s future after Putin’s departure”, notes WSJ.
The American newspaper adds that more and more cases of Chinese espionage and recruitment of mid-level officials are being discovered in Russia, but Moscow avoids making this information public for fear of damaging diplomatic relations.
At the same time, analysts note that anti-Western sentiments are so deeply rooted in Russian society and institutions that they will likely survive the Putin era, the Kremlin leader being the one who constantly fueled them.
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