China's Risky Bet on Putin After Wagner Mutiny.

China's leaders are grappling with the weakened authority of Russian President Vladimir Putin after the recent Wagner mutiny, which exposed fissures in his grip. China has emerged as Russia's most important ally since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022, leaving it internationally isolated. China is Russia's largest economic partner, with trade between them reaching a record $190 billion last year. The weekend's events might also accelerate Beijing's efforts to play peacemaker in a bid to end the Ukraine war on Moscow's terms.