Instead, the conflict may have already marked the start of a new Cold War that will see the world polarised between those who back Beijing and those who do not.

On Friday, EU officials said they had received "very reliable evidence" China was preparing to assist Russia militarily.

But that was refuted by Chinese premier Xi Jinping who, in a video call with US President Joe Biden, said: “State-to-state relations cannot advance to the stage of confrontation. Conflicts and confrontations are not in the interests of anyone."

While Beijing has not officially condemned Russia's invasion, signals of domestic discontent have been emerging.

An article published by prominent Shanghai academic Hu Wei three weeks ago condemning Russia's actions was allowed to remain online for a fortnight before being removed, suggesting it was supported at the highest levels.

He called for China to cut itself from Mr Putin, give up being neutral and choose the global mainstream position, adding that efforts to avert a potential nuclear war would ease relations with the West.