TOKYO -- While Russia continues its outrageous acts against Ukraine by annexing four eastern and southern Ukrainian regions, speculation abounds that its most powerful ally, China, is seeking to distance itself from Moscow.
Common strategic goals, geographic proximity bind the two nations

Presidents Joe Biden, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. It may not be easy for Beijing to distance itself from Russia's war on Ukraine. (Nikkei montage/AP/Reuters)
TOKYO -- While Russia continues its outrageous acts against Ukraine by annexing four eastern and southern Ukrainian regions, speculation abounds that its most powerful ally, China, is seeking to distance itself from Moscow.