In recent years, it was believed that China and Russia maintain close relations and that nothing could destroy their alliance. However, there are indications that it may crack.
In China, the advisability of an alliance with Russia is increasingly being discussed. Beijing's doubts are being strengthened by the success of the American operation in Venezuela, which is partly due to the failure of the Russian S-300 and Buk-M2 systems located in the South American country.
The Times writes that Russia has not shared everything it knows about the situation in Venezuela with its Chinese partners. The publication refers to well-informed sources in China. Beijing is already wondering whether Moscow is playing a secret game with the United States.
Earlier this year, the United States carried out a special operation in which it kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and took him to a US prison. According to sources, Russia knew that the US was preparing an operation in Venezuela. In addition, in late December, Moscow began evacuating diplomats and their families from Caracas.
Russian anti-aircraft missile systems in Venezuela were inoperable during the US operation. China is now speculating that the failure of Russian defense systems in Venezuela is not a coincidence, but rather evidence of the high level of cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Beijing is now actively discussing whether Russia is a reliable and secure ally.
Due to the US operation, China risks losing billions of dollars that it has provided to Venezuela in the form of loans in exchange for oil. Beijing finds itself at a huge disadvantage.
Experts also point out that Russia’s isolation due to the war in Ukraine has brought economic benefits to China, but they have come at a high price. Moscow’s dependence on China has led to a deterioration in Beijing’s current and future relations with Europe. Resolving the war in Ukraine may ultimately benefit China.