But criticism comes in all shades and nuances. The case of China is unique. Its media supports Russia’s entire case for the "special military operation" and even relays Russian propaganda and fake news.
The Chinese had the problem of reconciling fundamentally irreconcilable interests: their desire for a partnership with Russia, their desire not to be collateral damage in the U.S. and European sanctions and these longstanding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Algeria and Egypt pressed China’s telecom national champion Huawei for more value-added manufacturing and technology transfers. The company responded, but it ultimately improved its brand image without engaging in meaningful capacity building.
The war in Ukraine is increasing Beijing’s concern about Washington’s intentions.
Beninese officials have shown how even small countries can use close coordination between ministries and other negotiating tactics to strike deals with Chinese counterparts that better protect their own interests.
Any improvement in the West’s relations with China might be facilitated initially by Europe. The US-China trade war obscured the fact that Europe’s economic links with China far exceed America’s. Germany, in particular, relies on China as a manufacturing base to export to other countries.
Beijing believes its contradictory approach best protects its interests.
Media and published views are only a proxy for what China’s leaders think. As Xi Jinping likes to recall, the press has a duty to educate the people along lines that the CCP sets.
China appears to be trying to balance between strategic partnership on one hand and its claim that it adheres to important principles of non-interference, territorial integrity, and state sovereignty.
So, this is not the first time China has thrown a lifeline to Sri Lanka. This has been part of China's outreach to most countries in South Asia. It is a greater strategic foothold in the region