Ukraine war: How China could end up the real winner

China’s influence looms large over the war in Ukraine. The country’s president, Xi Jinping, claims it is neutral—but China is keen to prevent Vladimir Putin being defeated, while also seeing potential gains from a weakened Russia. At the same time, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, wants China to have a seat at the table when it comes to any peace settlement. With both sides looking to China for support, could President Xi emerge as the real winner from the war? The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, David Rennie, gives three important takeaways and unpacks China’s game plan.