China is watching the expanding Russian war in Eastern Europe very closely. China is not at all worried. For this conflict, the dragon can only smile.

… China has close relationships with the defense industries of both Russia and Ukraine. But the rupture between the two countries — the engines powering the remnants of the Soviet military-industrial machine — has, as Jane’s points out, put China in a very advantageous position.

… disruption of both Russian and Ukrainian supply chains will open up opportunities for Chinese manufacturers who can fill these emergent needs. To replace shortfalls from the loss of Ukrainian production, Russia needs to reboot or set up their own production lines. But will Russia bother if it finds it can get equivalent parts from China?

… the existing and potential conflict between Russia and the West makes Russian arms more politically costly for many other countries. China…