China's Behind-the-Scenes Role in Ukraine War

Xi Jinping's role in Ukraine is far less visible than Vladimir Putin's, but make no mistake: China is also a combatant in the war. What isn't yet clear is whether China will feel the consequences as Russia has.

On Friday, President Joe Biden announced that the United States, along with NATO members, European Union countries, and Group of Seven nations, will withdraw "most favored nation" trade privileges for Russia. Biden also announced bans on imports of Russian goods—seafood, vodka, and diamonds—and a prohibition on exports of luxury items.

These actions, at least on their face, run afoul of trade rules. Russia has MFN, most-favored-nation status, now in America renamed PNTR or permanent normal trade relations. A nation with PNTR will receive the trade benefits accorded to all other nations with PNTR.