Beijing Won’t ‘Bend’ to US Pressure, Specialist on Asia Says*

*Editor’s note: On March 4, 2022, Russia enacted a law that criminalizes public opposition to, or independent news reporting about, the war in Ukraine. The law makes it a crime to call the war a “war” rather than a “special military operation” on social media or in a news article or broadcast. The law is understood to penalize any language that “discredits” Russia’s use of its military in Ukraine, calls for sanctions or protests Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It punishes anyone found to spread “false information” about the invasion with up to 15 years in prison.

Kirill Kotkoff, specialist on Asia, asserts that China won’t sour relations with Russia because of U.S. pressure.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Chinese companies that they could face “significant consequences” if they provide support for Russia. Kirill Kotkoff, the head of the Center for Far East Studies, analyzed the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s reaction to Yellen’s statement for Sputnik Radio.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Beijing has consistently regulated the export of dual-use articles in accordance with laws and regulations, and thus, relevant countries should not smear or attack the normal state-to-state relations between China and Russia. Her remarks were in response to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s statement regarding potential sanctions against Chinese businesses aiding Russia.

During her visit to China, Yellen threatened Chinese companies and banks with “significant consequences“ if they provide support for Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.

Kirill Kotkoff, a specialist on Asia and the head of the Center for Far East Studies, told Sputnik Radio that Washington is trying to impose its will on Beijing.

“The U.S. is at the top of the food chain in the capitalist world, and that is why they dictate their will to everyone, including China,” Kotkoff said.

According to him, China shows that it will neither “bend” to U.S. pressure nor restrict its companies’ trade with Russia.

Kotkoff emphasized that “China will do what it deems necessary. When it comes to its companies, China takes a very liberal approach. The principle is simple: if a company is concerned about possible American sanctions, well, that’s its own decision, but if it’s not, then it is free to find ways to trade with Russians. We won’t sour relations with Russians. We value them as a strong and reliable partner. We want to be friends with everyone, including Russia. In this case, China takes a democratic stance and shows the U.S. that it won’t ‘bend’ to their pressure.”