A clear signal to Putin: China could cut off Russia's money supply. China's lending in the Russian banking sector is an important source of funding for Putin.
The Chinese lenders have replaced Western banks that Russia no longer supports due to international sanctions and pressure from its own countries. Recent events could be signs of the impact of Western sanctions. Several banks are allowing Putin to run - out of concern about Western sanctions The announcement that China's largest central bank plans to restrict business with Russia could deeply worry Putin.