Is Putin worried China will steal his power?

"What we’re seeing is a shift in the balance of power. Russia was the security guarantor and China was the investor, but, Russia is no longer able to provide that, so we’re seeing China fill that vacuum."

Putin nervous that China will take his power? Former foreign office advisor Mark Galeotti discusses on #TimesRadio.
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Very good observation about Russia’s vulnerability to China. Nobody is talking about this, but it’s crazy to me that the Russian govt considers the West as more of risk to Russia’s long-term territorial integrity than China. NATO will never invade Russia, it’s a death trap, just too big, would stretch NATO supply lines too far and be too expensive. And Europe is pacifist, they’ll never go along with an invasion of Russia. Not to mention Russia’s huge nuke stockpile. NATO is a defensive organization only. But China on the other hand with its huge population and aggressive government is more likely to look to Russia’s vast empty eastern regions to expand into, especially any with useful natural resources China needs.

[Nathan-ryyu]

What makes Russia think they even on par with China.

[Bob_too]

It’s interesting that the Chinese Spokesperson does refer to the Ukraine situation as a War and not a Special Military Operation. That’s certainly somewhat of a misalignment between China and Russia

[ValensBellator]

Putin’s anachronistic longing for a reborn Russian Empire with an enormous, rising threat on their southeastern border has delivered Russia straight into a state of vassalage to China. Master strategist indeed 🤦‍♂️

[Waltham]

His Army is being destroyed in the field, he's facing embargos against his country and person, NATO's front on his country just doubled.
But, somehow, I'm sure he's more worried about his personal power...

[sjt]

He should be very very very worried. They're all coming for you, Vlad.

[Bell_the_Cat]

“The gravity of China’s economy is such that a weakened Russia cannot help but spiral into its orbit.” Beautifully put.

[champphifer]

Definitely could see China undermining Russia. Could see several republics within the Russia Federation leave the Federation and align themselves with China. I could see China expanding on Russia's eastern front as well. A weak Russia easily could be overtaken by China

[malenotyalc]

Putin planned on visiting Ukraine to encourage Russian troops several times now. Only problem is each time Kremlin schedule visit by the time date of visit arrives, Russian troops retreat the night before the visit.

[DrStrangelove-ww]

Putin says China has discussed concerns over the recent events in Ukraine. I believe China wants to ensure that the Ukrainians stop when they get to the Chinese border.🤣🤣😂😂

[antonleimbach]

I’d be worried too if my neighbors had a billion people, the worlds largest industrial output, and needed room to grow.

[pgr]

Russia is far weaker than even pessimists suspected. As per Gorby in the drama Chernobyl: "Our strength comes from the PERCEPTION of our strength." If nobody perceives Russia as strong anymore they will be eaten up, both forces external and internal.

[JustARandomFio]

I guess there is no doubt about who will be the master and who the servant in this relationship.

[oldskoolrools]

China wants to discuss the "returns policy" on the weapons they purchased from

[jjjones]

I can see China eyeing Russian Manchuria & wanting it back

[vanshookme]

Putins sweat and cheap oil prices must wreak of desperation to all the people buying pretty sure their relationship with Russia is one way (china holding the leash and India waiting in line to put one on too).

[NLTops]

China played Russia brilliantly.
China before the invasion: Yeah, we have your back. Totally!
China after the invasion: We urge for a diplomatic solution. Hey Russia you got some cheap oil for us?
And if this Russia falls apart over Ukraine, you can bet your life savings on China owning various Eastern Russian republics before you can say "Hey, I thought Russia and China were allies.".

[atbecker]

Shame on you Putin, what power do you still have???

[thsealord]

Reminded of that very old joke. Pole walking along the beach, finds a lamp buried in the sand. Naturally, he rubs it and, surprise, a genie appears.
"Right", say the genie. "You know know how this goes, Three wishes."
The Pole thinks. "Wish one. I wish for China to invade Poland;"
Genie blinks. "Umm, OK, " Boom. China invades Poland.
"Wish two, I wish for China to invade Poland."
Genie looks confused. "What, again?" Boom. China invades Poland. Again.
"Wish three. I wish for China to invade Pol-"
Wait a minute", says the genie. "If you're wishing for the same thing three times running, that's your decision. But would you mind if I ask WHY????"
"Because China will have to cross Russia six times."

I guess these days, maybe it should be a Ukrainian instead of a Pole making the wishes. Then again, they seem to be doing OK now.

[runlarryrun]

Russia - all mouth, no trousers.

China - almost limitless trousers in any size & style.