China pushes Russia into the gray zone, squeezing them economically. Officially, they are making it difficult for the Russians to pay and receive payments while

China pushes Russia into the gray zone, squeezing them economically. Officially, they are making it difficult for the Russians to pay and receive payments while unofficially pushing Russian businesses towards "handlers" charging extortionate commissions: https://www.yahoo.com/news/chinese-banks-reject-80-russian-082131174.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/chinese-banks-reject-80-russian-0... They are not openly hostile to Russia and will not admit to aligning with the West, but they certainly do not want trouble (sanctions) or an open war with Russia. They told Putin they will not pay for the Syberian pipeline, because they don't have to. Given how bad the Russia's economic situation is China can do nothing, squeeze every last penny out of them, and enjoy cheap access to the Russia's mineral resources without having to conquer and run the place.