Cables From The Diplomatic Frontlines - cracks in the Russia - China relations, and Putin's maneuvers.

Revealing cracks in Russia - China relations, and Putin’s diplomatic maneuvers

• Seven months into the Ukraine war, all eyes were on the leadership meetings and public remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Conference.

• A lot has changed in this period.

• Three weeks prior to the invasion, China and Russia declared a ‘‘no limits partnership’’.