Western Accusations Against China and the Chinese Government’s Actions
Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Western nations, led by the U.S., have repeatedly accused China of supporting Russia. They claim the Chinese government has provided various forms of aid to prevent Russia from being crippled by the war and to avoid China’s complete isolation.
China’s Relationship with the USSR and Russia, and Public Attitudes
China’s communist system originated from the Soviet Union, which played a crucial role in the Chinese Communist Party’s rise to power. Despite later conflicts between China and the USSR, a small number of Soviet sympathizers in China have transferred their admiration to Russia, praising them as a “fighting nation.” However, this extreme-left faction is a minority, and their online views are often ridiculed by mainstream internet users.
Mainstream Chinese Public Opinion on the Invasion of Ukraine
On the Chinese internet, supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is widely seen as a moral failure and a sign of low intelligence. The majority of Chinese people believe that Russia’s invasion has diverted the attention of the U.S. and its Western allies away from China, which they see as a beneficial outcome for China.
U.S.-China Relations and China’s Need for Allies
The West’s unfriendly stance on the Taiwan issue and the escalation of the U.S.-China trade and technology wars have brought the two nations to a standoff. Unlike the U.S., which has many powerful allies, China’s political system leaves it in need of Russian support. However, to become a great power, China must relinquish inappropriate interests.
Historical Views of Russia and the Ukraine War Analogy
Historically, Russia has been aggressive, affecting nearly all of its surrounding nations. The invasion of Ukraine, simply because it is too close to Russia, is analogous to Japan’s invasion of China during World War II—it is unjust. China must not compromise its moral principles for the sake of national interest. Historically, Russia invaded China multiple times, causing China to lose over 3 million square kilometers of land and resulting in massacres and tragedies. As a result, the Chinese people can empathize with the suffering of the Ukrainian people, and mainstream public opinion in China condemns Russia’s aggression.
The Reality of International Relations and China’s Predicament
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken once said, the nature of international relations is that you are “either at the table or on the menu.” The U.S. policy of suppressing and isolating China has forced the country to stand in the same camp as Russia.
Views on Zelenskyy and Ukraine
In the eyes of many Chinese people, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not a hero but a clown who led his country to ruin for his own private gain. While the Ukrainians who are resisting the aggression are seen as heroes, the sentiment is that as a small nation, Ukraine should have withdrawn from the war earlier. The happiness of its young people is paramount, and the damage already inflicted on Russia is enough to serve as a warning.
Views on the Russia-Ukraine War and Putin
The idea that in the 21st century, humans are still engaging in bloody conflicts over territory is seen as foolish. Russia is already a massive country, and it is hoped that Putin will be content. The example of Hitler is often cited to illustrate how expansionism can ultimately lead to failure.