Despite its self-proclaimed status as a defender of state sovereignty and adherence to the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of others, China has found itself unable to criticize its close strategic partner Russia over its “military operation” in Ukraine.
Beijing won’t even refer to it as an invasion — blaming instead (surprise, surprise) the United States for forcing Moscow to defend itself from the mere prospect of Ukraine possibly one day joining NATO.
China’s position has some short term advantages. As the rest of the world refuses to buy Russian oil, gas, or wheat, China will shamelessly step in to keep the Russian economy from collapsing by buying these commodities, no doubt at a reduced price.