The Chinese authorities have begun quiet preparations for the post-power transition period in Russia.
Modern.az reports that “The Wall Street Journal” wrote about this, based on conversations with Russian and Chinese officials, as well as analysts.
According to the information, after Vladimir Putin sharply worsened relations with the West, Russia has increasingly become China's junior partner. The publication claims that Beijing is trying to influence Moscow's policy in cautious and not openly visible ways.
It is reported that China is not limited to Putin and his close circle. Beijing is also establishing contacts with officials, regional leaders, and representatives of the elite who may determine Russia's political course in the future.
The article notes that in recent years, more cases of Chinese intelligence activities and the involvement of mid-level officials in cooperation have been recorded in Russia. However, Moscow is not in a hurry to publicize this information in order not to spoil relations with Beijing.
According to analysts, the anti-Western sentiment formed in Russia will remain for a long time even if Putin leaves power, and this could expand China's influence over the country.
The publication writes that China is implementing a long-term strategy, pushing Moscow to make decisions in its own interests and forming mechanisms of influence for future decades.
The article also touches upon the issue of Central Asia. It is reported that although Russia has opposed the increasing Chinese influence in this region for many years, it has recently been forced to soften its position.
According to “The Wall Street Journal”, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has obtained a significant concession from Putin in the last year. Russia has withdrawn its previous objections to the yuan becoming the main currency in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Development Bank.
According to sources, financial isolation and sanctions have forced Russia to change its position. Moscow now states its readiness to join the bank and in return demands guarantees that the institution's activities will remain outside Western sanctions.
