Chinese President Xi Jin Ping passionately rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin, who just started his 5th presidency term for Russia. Such gesture caused firestorm among the international community, as the war continues in Ukraine. Despite all the oppositions from the west, friendships between China and Russia deepens, there is no denying that Russia needs more additional support from China to win the war. However, China's move might backfire, as Russia is planning to seek more support. How should we understand the complication over the relationships? Is it time for China to think more, before playing out additional support?

Alexander Motyl is an American historian, political scientist, poet, writer, translator and artist-painter. He is a resident of New York City. He is professor of political science at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey and a specialist on Ukraine, Russia, and the Soviet Union.