Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put China in a difficult diplomatic position, not least because of its economic relationship with the eastern European nation — a key transit point for Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese companies have financed and assisted with the construction of vital infrastructure across Ukraine in recent years. But Russia’s unprovoked attack has jeopardized billions of dollars of Chinese investment, as well as long-running military technology cooperation between China and Ukraine.
This week, The Wire looks at China’s ties to Ukraine, and what the war means for the future of its economic relationship.
Data: ITC Trade Map, Chinese General Administration of Customs
CHINA’S INVESTMENT IN UKRAINE
Bilateral trade between China and Ukraine has grown three-fold in the last five years, driven by a significant increase in Ukrainian exports to China. In 2019, China overtook Russia to become Ukraine’s largest si
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