China is studying Russia's methods of countering Western sanctions, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, Report informs via TASS.
According to the newspaper, Beijing has set up a special "interagency group" to study the impact of sanctions on Russia and prepare regular reports for the country's leadership. The purpose of such activities is to learn from Russia's experience in mitigating the impact of Western restrictions. To this end, Chinese officials reportedly visit Moscow regularly and meet with representatives of the Russian Central Bank, the Finance Ministry and other agencies.
China is also interested in Russian "incentives for the development of domestic production" in the face of sanctions pressure, one of the newspaper's sources said. According to The Wall Street Journal, Beijing may fear that if the situation around Taiwan escalates, the United States and its allies may impose sanctions on China similar to those imposed on Russia in connection with the Ukrainian conflict.
The newspaper's sources emphasized that the work of this group does not mean that China is preparing an invasion. The Chinese Foreign Ministry told the newspaper that Beijing was committed to "conducting normal exchanges and cooperation with all countries in the world, including Russia, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit."
Speaking at the Valdai International Discussion Club plenary session on November 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the West had tried to deal Russia a crushing blow and cut it off from global politics and economy, but had failed.