China’s close strategic ties to Russia make it hard to come out in full-throated condemnation of the violence in Ukraine along with much of the world. Yet there are actionable methods that China can use to try and help save lives of innocent citizens.

Fast-moving events are forcing the United States to adopt a more cooperative posture toward China, whose help it needs to meet the expectations of the international community. Cooperation has assumed increasing real-world importance.

An article discussing an unexpected take on the Ukraine crisis from a prominent Shanghai scholar was taken offline in China, showcasing the difficulties of obtaining a complete narrative from the media.

After trade wars and the pandemic depression, aggressive sanctions and rate hikes will further derail economic prospects in the U.S., China and worldwide.

China-U.S. relations are feeling the strain of the conflict in Eastern Europe. China does not welcome war, but the United States must abandon its posture of coercion — forcing others to choose sides. Cooperation will be required to restore peace.

George Canning, who presided over the British foreign policy in the early nineteenth century, once famously said, “Europe's domain extends to the shores of the Atlantic, England’s begins there.”

Now that the Western powers have imposed sweeping economic and financial sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, many are asking whether China’s non-participation will undermine their effectiveness. One should also ask whether the rich countries can do more for the poor people in many developing countries who are the collateral damage of the war and the sanctions.

My recent commentary, “Only China Can Stop Russia,” stirred up strong arguments on both sides of the increasingly contentious debate over the horrific war in Ukraine. While most in the West recognize the need for extraordinary actions in extraordinary times and agree that China has an important role to play in resolving the conflict, those sympathetic to Russia’s concerns over border security and NATO enlargement argue that China has no reason to weigh in. But both posed the obvious and important follow-up question: What exactly can China do to restore peace and stability to Ukraine?

A look at history reveals why Russia feels threatened by the eastward expansion of the European Union and NATO. The war may end with Ukraine becoming a neutral country that serves as a buffer zone for Russia.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been met with sanctions from the West, along with key regional economies in Asia. And Putin’s actions will have major repercussions on Russia’s place in the world, including its previously promising pivot towards Asia.