Why China’s own interests will decide whether it supports Putin’s Ukraine invasion or not

There is a long history of border disputes between China and Russia, and one which almost led to all-out war in 1969. Whether the ‘friendship’ between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will lead to actual Chinese support for the assault on Ukraine may come down to more practical matters

An apparent friendship between the two leaders Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping seemed evidence of a new Sino-Russian axis. But things aren’t quite that simple. Picture: Sputnik/AFP via Getty