Putin the Puppet?

[pecksniff]

The Russian central Bank issued a warning today that it "may not be able to meet its debt obligations on Bonds." If Russia defaults it will be their first since the 1917 revolution. Foreign currency withdrawals over 10,000 banned, Stock market closed, Interest rates doubled. Payments system crippled.

Elvira Nabiullina the Bank's boss, a smart dresser, often wears clothes appropriate to her announcements. Today she was dressed for a funeral - of the Russian economy.

Looks as though Joe Biden has Putin's balls in a vice. Good to have a tough guy in charge eh' ?

One wonders what will be left of the Russian economy after this war.

 

[pecksniff]

Another No.

I think Pecksmith you need to re-focus. Look at Sino Russian history and Geo politics but think much longer term. Think like the Chinese. If and as Russia weakens militarily and economically, the Chinese will seek to take advantage of opportunities as they occur. It might take 20-50, maybe 100 years, but they will be ready. Siberia is no big deal but China with a base in the Sea of Japan would be massive for China, Russia, Japan, Korea and the USA - but not gunna happen any time soon.

If China wants a base on the Sea of Japan, I'm sure Kim Jong-un would let them built one on the coast of NK.

 

[Booboobear84]

I don't believe Xi is pulling Putin's strings, because I don't believe Xi much likes what Putin is doing right now.

I tend to disagree. What Putin is actually doing is over extending Russia. I think that China will be happy with a weakened neighbor with which it shares a lot of boarder.

 

[Rightguide]

I don't believe Xi is pulling Putin's strings, because I don't believe Xi much likes what Putin is doing right now.

Putin at this point is a Xi vassal.

 

[pecksniff]

Putin at this point is a Xi vassal.

Russia is weak enough to need an overlord -- but what use is the PRC in that role?

 

[mayfly13]

You were right, ishtat.
Just listened to this and it totally supports your theory:

The Indian host was probably instructed to minimize Russia's war crimes & insinuate that Russia is a merely America's victim,

but what he keeps arguing across his debates, about US/China (stirring or/and profiting from the war) rings true.

 

[LupusDei]

How is Ukraine China's enemy? I'm sure it is a country they never even think about unless they have to.

Actually, China has significant tech dependencies in Ukraine, for their ongoing fleet modernization and expansion efforts especially. (Also Ukrainians are very active in the new space startup circles, but I'm unsure is there any direct benefit for China there.) It wouldn't be a problem (or even potentially advantageous) if Russia succeeded at the quick takeover with minimal damage, but protracted war and major destruction has severe contradictions for them. With the catastrophic failure of the objective, now the most advantageous outcome for China is to freeze the conflict.

Putin at this point is a Xi vassal.

Yes, but it is for Xi to accept and enforce that, and there's absolutely no hurry to strut it up. My guess is, Xi will let him root for a while before final dismemberment.

 

[Rightguide]

Actually, China has significant tech dependencies in Ukraine, for their ongoing fleet modernization and expansion efforts especially. (Also Ukrainians are very active in the new space startup circles, but I'm unsure is there any direct benefit for China there.) It wouldn't be a problem (or even potentially advantageous) if Russia succeeded at the quick takeover with minimal damage, but protracted war and major destruction has severe contradictions for them. With the catastrophic failure of the objective, now the most advantageous outcome for China is to freeze the conflict.



Yes, but it is for Xi to accept and enforce that, and there's absolutely no hurry to strut it up. My guess is, Xi will let him root for a while before final dismemberment.

It probably won't be long before Xi attacks Russia somewhere along that southern border now that he's bogged down in Ukraine and has moved significant forces away from that border to bolster his forces there.

 

[Rightguide]

Russia is weak enough to need an overlord -- but what use is the PRC in that role?

Finance.

 

[pecksniff]

It now appears that Putin is not Xi's puppet, given Xi's tepid response, so far, in supporting this war.

 

[slutindianwife]

I don't believe Xi is pulling Putin's strings, because I don't believe Xi much likes what Putin is doing right now.

amazing info
if media reports can be trusted