Putin weakened by the Ukraine war: Is China reaching for Russia's east?. China benefits from Russia's weakness.
Trade between the two countries grew to a record high of more than $240 billion last year. China has not yet called for a withdrawal of Russian troops from the occupied Ukrainian territories, but has only spoken generally about the need for a ceasefire. Xi Jinping needs the Russians as allies in the conflict with the USA. Thanks to China's help, the economy has so far been able to avert collapse.