MERICS Members Event: China's Role in Russia's War

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has escalated into a crisis of global dimensions. China is an important and powerful actor in this conflict. Over the last weeks and days, Beijing has navigated carefully to find a position that best protects its conflicting interests. China has invested heavily in its partnership with Russia and shares Putin’s ambition to change the Western-centric global order. But Beijing is also keen to stabilize its deteriorating relationships with the US and Europe, and to appear consistent with its foreign policy principles of non-interference and respect for sovereign states.

MERICS experts are currently analyzing China’s role in the Ukraine conflict from multiple angles. We invite you to an ad-hoc MERICS Members Briefing in a trusted circle to share insights and exchange views on some key questions facing policy makers and companies these days: What are the fundamental interests behind China’s partnership with Russia? Could China help Russia to avoid Western sanctions – and how? What do Beijing’s public statements reveal about potential shifts in its foreign policy?

Speakers:
Mikko Huotari, Director, MERICS
Helena Legarda, Lead Analyst “Foreign Relations”, MERICS
Max J. Zenglein, Chief Economist, MERICS

Moderator:
Bernhard Bartsch, Director External Relations, MERICS

This event was for MERICS Members and key stakeholders. It took place in a confidential setting and was by personal invitation only.