Of course Indian and the PRC will take advantage of cheap Russian oil and gas. They'd be silly not too when they can. Russia is now the PRC's largest supplier of oil, knocking Saudi Arabia into second place. It's also one of the PRC's largest gas suppliers, 2nd pipeline and 4th LPG. US state department concerned as Russia, China strengthen ties.
Last Friday Putin and Xi Jinping held virtual meeting and it was announced that the countries would have a closer strategic relationship, however not as close as Putin would like. Putin also invited Xi to visit Moscow during the northern spring. Putin invites Xi to Moscow as Russia pursues alliance with China.
"We are expecting you, dear Mr. Chairman, dear friend, we are expecting you next spring on a state visit to Moscow," Putin told Xi in an effusive eight-minute introductory statement broadcast on state television. "This will demonstrate to the whole world the strength of Russian-Chinese ties on key issues." He also said he aimed to boost military cooperation with China - although there was no mention of this in the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's report of the call. Although Xi called Putin his "dear friend", his introductory statement, at around a quarter the length of Putin's, was far more pragmatic in tone. Putin expects China's Xi to visit soon, Xi holds his line on Ukraine
Putin is still trying very hard to gain more from Xi, but Xi appears to be astute enough to know that if he fully supports Putin in the Ukrainian war then the PRC too will be sanctioned just like Russia. But more importantly he, his family, Politburo members, senior CCP officials and their families will be sanctioned personally as well. They all are alleged to have significant fortunes in overseas banks and other assets that they would lose as the US and the West went after them. It would also put the CCP itself in jeopardy because the PRC population may not take to kindly to hardships that they would have to endure because of the imposed sanctions. After the Covid-19 lockdowns such sanctions may be enough to cause the people to revolt against CCP rule.Russian has resources and technology that the PRC needs, and the PRC has the money that Russia requires. However in this relationship Xi is the master and Putin the servant and Xi will get what he wants. This doesn't mean that the two won't move their military relations closer with more joint exercises and training between them. Eventually there may even be some standardisation of systems and procedures. This continued closer relationship between the two militaries does pose problems for Japan and as they grow accustomed to each other etc., it will make Japan's SDF problems more difficult, because it will have three different aggressors on its doorstep.
The other point to remember about this relationship is the geopolitical context with both leaders looking at solidifying a strong base of opposition to western thought and ideals, as well as the international rules that have governed international relations for the last 70 years. They have been paying less than lip service to the UN Charter to which they are both signatories, and both have been busy quashing any hopes of human rights and freedoms within their respective countries, whilst at the same time in the case of Putin committing an act of wanton aggression against a sovereign nation; and in Xi's case threatening and bullying all who oppose him and the PRC in anyway.
There also appears to be an outbreak of the defenestration virus in Russia afflicting Russian citizens, both at home and overseas. A Russian oligarch fell from a window in an Indian hotel on Xmas Day, two days after his friend died in the same hotel from an alleged stroke. Others appear to have health problems related to stairs and then of course there's Putin's favourite - poisoning. Assassination fears: Suspicion as four senior Russians suddenly die So at the moment the life expectancy of a Russian oligarch who displeases Putin isn't that long. This is known as Sudden Oligarch Death Syndrome (SODS).
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