A Russian opposition figure, Michael Chodorkowski, believes that in the event of the US withdrawal from Europe, China could play a crucial role in maintaining the continent’s economic and security stability. “China could be the new guarantor of Europe under certain conditions” Chodorkowski told the Stern magazine on Thursday.
This could bring economic benefits for Europe, but, of course, at a cost, he explained. “For me, it’s a big question whether the Trump administration has calculated everything correctly.”
Chodorkowski, who was once one of the richest men in Russia in the 1990s and spent years in prison, is urging Europe to strengthen its ties with China. “China has significant influence on the Kremlin, as it is one of the largest, if not the largest, trade partners and a influential actor in the post-Soviet space” he said. “China’s economy and that of Europe complement each other in many ways and Beijing is not interested in its biggest customer being in trouble.”
Chodorkowski does not believe that Russian President Putin would risk a war with NATO even after a ceasefire in Ukraine. “Putin’s main goal is the ultimate destruction of Ukraine” he said. “If he attacks the Baltic states, he would simultaneously have Ukraine against him in the rear. The other way around, not so much.” According to the opposition figure, it is crucial that Ukraine is prepared to resist at this time.