Zelensky: If China allies itself with Russia, there will be world war III

[Torchlight]

21. I think Beijing's priority of self-interest

will necessarily prevent any direct military involvement in the conflict. I think the trade war that would ensue from the placement of sanctions on (and by) all involved parties would directly interfere with Beijing's economic balancing act.

Though the two nations enjoy better relations now than in the past 40 years, it's relevant to note that China does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, and Russia does not support China's claims in the South China Sea.

And China is in a more advantageous position to leverage more agreeable short-term contracts for the imports of Russian oil and petroleum products.