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.
Esta historia es de la edición March 20, 2022 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 20, 2022 de Sunday Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
CAV TO BOW OUT RIDING HIGH
SIR MARK CAVENDISH is ready for the \"next chapter\" of his life after announcing that today's Singapore Criterium will be the final race of his professional cycling career.
Summerville so close to lifting gloom for Julen
WEST HAM winger Crysencio Summerville held up his hands in despair while Julen Lopetegui kept his firmly in his pockets.
Trump tax aid 'unlikely' for US expats
DONALD Trump's presidency is unlikely to mean new tax breaks for Americans living in the UK, despite Trump's pledge to end the system of so-called \"double taxation\", accountancy firm has warned.
Cillian gives Peaky tease for film
CILLIAN Murphy has given a sneaky look at the forthcoming Peaky Blinders movie, revealing that it will show infamous lead character Tommy Shelby in a \"different way\".
Grief-stricken Phil Schofield lays beloved mum to rest
PHILLIP Schofield helps to carry his mother's coffin at her funeral service - but there is no sign of his jailed brother.
Demi's still slick and stylish at 61
HOLLYWOOD superstar Demi Moore strikes a slick pose at the UK premiere of new TV series Landman, about the Texas oil industry.
Riot police braced for flare-ups as demonstrators vent fury at result
THOUSANDS of police, state troopers and National Guardsmen are on standby across America over fears of riots following Donald Trump's victory.
Farage tells Starmer to mend fences with Trump to avoid tariffs and boost trade
BRITAIN can escape US trade tariffs that threaten to clobber British industry but Sir Keir Starmer must mend fences with Donald Trump without delay, according to Nigel Farage.
Democrats' defeat is a warning to Labour...don't ignore the views of ordinary voters
LABOUR will face the same fury that drove the Democrats out of office and handed the White House to Donald Trump if they ignore the biggest worries of ordinary voters, senior party figures have warned.
Adele: I'm a sad, lonely woman
ADELE has admitted that away from the joy of performing on stage she is a \"sad, depressed, lonely woman\".
