The Risky Alliance: China's Concerns as Putin Faces Rebellion

The recent rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the risks facing Chinese leader Xi Jinping's "no limits" friendship with Putin, which has inextricably linked the two men. The rebellion risks rippling through the establishment in Beijing, as it reinforces the message that Xi needs to maintain a tight grip and be suspicious of the military. While China has publicly backed Putin's ability to rule, it has started creating some distance with Russia over the months, warning against the use of nuclear weapons and calling for the protection of civilians after the destruction of a dam in Ukraine.