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Ukraine is the largest supplier of rare earth elements and other raw materials for the European high-tech sector. The EU originally wanted to become less dependent on China when it came to procuring industrial minerals - and has relied primarily on Ukraine for this purpose. China has also sought access to rare earth and noble gas deposits. Putin's war of aggression has now thwarted the plans on both sides. Will the valuable deposits now fall into Russia's hands?
By Frank Sieren
Russia's invasion of Ukraine plunges China into a deep strategic dilemma: Should Beijing stick to its "borderless friendship" with Vladimir Putin? But this would mean giving up its own interests and foreign policy principles. In any case, it refuses to speak of a Russian invasion.
By Michael Radunski
The Ukraine war is also part of a global struggle for oil and gas. The USA wants to sell more of it to Europe. China, in turn, wants to be less dependent on oil and gas from the US and its allies – and is leaning toward Russia. Beijing's long-term commitments give Russian President Vladimir Putin the necessary leeway for this war.
By Frank Sieren
Vladimir Putin's goal is the return of Russia as a superpower. The Russian president wants to reverse a trend in which Russia has steadily lost influence in Europe since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The political leadership in Beijing, especially with regard to China's claim to Taiwan, will carefully study whether and for how long Europe and the US will stand together, or whether cracks in this unity may begin to form at some point.
By Amelie Richter
If Russia is cut off from international payment flows, China could step in with an expansion of its yuan trade. However, it cannot fully replace the dollar for Russia. Moreover, the Russian financial market would become completely dependent on China.
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