Ukraine: Did China Have a Clue?

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one of the most intriguing questions related to China is whether Beijing had been informed of the plan when China and Russia issued their Joint Statement on February 4. Given the strong language about mutual support in that document, if China did indeed know, it would mean it had played the role of an accomplice. The question is important as it defines the nature and depth of Sino-Russian relations as well as what can be expected from Beijing in the days...