But what exactly the truth is is not yet clear. Even former ambassador to China and Russia Ron Keller knows this. According to Keller, the Americans are only talking about indications and the Chinese have no intention of supplying weapons.
The position of the Chinese has therefore been the same for more than a year, Keller knows. “They’ve been insisting for a year that they don’t want to take sides and that they want peace,” he says. China wants peace and negotiation. They are quite consistent in this respect.’
Understandable
Still, Keller says it’s understandable that Americans are hesitant if they see a change in China’s stance. ‘It stands to reason for Americans to think ‘Whoa, that’s enough’ and point to a limit. Which the Chinese would then overcome».
According to Keller, it is also a clear sign that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Moscow on the same day that US President Joe Biden is visiting the Ukrainian capital Kiev. “This definitely indicates that China and Russia are still in a relationship,” he says. “But we have to be careful not to isolate Russia completely, because there will always come a time when we need to talk.”
In that regard, Keller is hoping for the best of the bout. “The fact that Wang Yi is going to Moscow – or is already there – means that at least there are talks with Putin, and I hope only good can come of it.”
Weapon deliveries
However, Keller is not afraid of possible arms deliveries from China to Russia. There are many reasons why China shouldn’t get involved. First of all, China would explicitly show its color. China has argued for 4,000 years that conflicts should be resolved peacefully and through conversation. «Never with wars and conflicts. Then they would let that line go.’
Much more serious for China, however, would be a real smear campaign by the West. If the West turns against China, China’s economy will be hit hard. Europe is the single most important market for China and the Chinese economy is crucial for Europe. “The Chinese would not like to risk it.”