China's abstentions on U.N. votes to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine are a "win," said the U.S. envoy to the United Nations, underscoring how Beijing's balancing act between its ally Russia and the West may be the best outcome for Washington.
Beijing has refused to call Russia's actions in Ukraine an invasion and has repeatedly criticized what it says are illegal Western sanctions to punish Moscow.
But U.S.-led pressure on China, including the specter of secondary sanctions should it provide material support for Russia's war, appears to be helping keep Beijing on the fence over the conflict.