China is attempting to strike a balance in its approach to the Ukraine-Russia situation.

Relations between China and Russia have improved since China intervened to assist Russia, which was facing severe economic penalties as a result of its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. At a time when China was being diplomatically boycotted over charges of human rights violations and genocide of Uyghur Muslims, Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to Beijing for the Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Putin, for example, declared the independence of two areas in Ukraine shortly after the Winter Olympics ended, accused Ukraine of breaking treaties, and dispatched soldiers into Ukraine Because of their significant commercial ties, China has to preserve amicable relations with Ukraine. Supporting Russia would bring China’s flourishing commerce with Ukraine to a standstill.