Meanwhile... in China
China issued an -imo- import document while Putin and Biden sought the limelight. You can find an English translation here, and it is not very long:
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/202302/t20230220_11027664.html
For those who don’t want to read the entire thing, read the conclusion which I partly copy below:
… The hegemonic, domineering, and bullying practices of using strength to intimidate the weak, taking from others by force and subterfuge, and playing zero-sum games are exerting grave harm. … The United States has been overriding truth with its power and trampling justice to serve self-interest. These unilateral, egoistic and regressive hegemonic practices have drawn growing, intense criticism and opposition from the international community.
Countries need to respect each other and treat each other as equals. … China opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics, and rejects interference in other countries' internal affairs. The United States must … critically examine what it has done, let go of its arrogance and prejudice, and quit its hegemonic, domineering and bullying practices.
And there you have it. Scathing. A warning shot for the bow.
China is not having it anymore. It has issued a clear warning.
The only part that is missing is the “or else”.
But the ‘or else’ is present, even when not written down. You cannot “talk down” to a hegemon without it being considered a threat. Any self respecting hegemon must react to such perceived “uptalk” or risk losing its status.
It is like walking up to the schoolyard bully and telling him that he should stop what he is doing. You better be prepared for punches, because from that point on the bully loses status when he does not dress you down.
In the media circus there was some speculation that China would come to Russia with a peace plan for the Ukraine. That seems impossible now. Every day the US sends more aid to the Ukraine, every day the NATO drains its resources is a win for China. If anything they will support the Russian side, either openly or covertly.