The Chinese Way of World Order-Making and Shaping: The Russo-Ukrainian War as a Test and an Opportunity

How has China responded to Russia’s war in Ukraine, and what does this reveal about its role in the international order? Moving beyond the ‘pro-Russia’ binary, this article examines China’s behavior across five domains: strategic surprise, refusal of lethal aid, economic support, nuclear opposition, and ceasefire-first diplomacy. Analysis shows China’s interest in the global balance of power supersedes its commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The conflict serves as a stress test for Chinese statecraft, forcing a balance between preserving Russia as a counter-hegemonic partner and maintaining relations with Europe. Ultimately, China’s vision of order-making is instrumental: it prioritizes systemic power shifts over consistent international principles, except when defending its own claims regarding Taiwan.