[Mick]

I apologize for the thread drift, I was unintentionally obscure. China and Russia are close allies, and both Putin and Jinping are at the heads of political systems that are similar, and in which both are under some duress -- for very different reasons. Both Putin and Jinping have conducted purges in countries with history of purges. And finally, like Putin, Jinping has consolidated power, specifically millitary power. The Central Military Commission is down to Jinping and the accuser Zhenli.

I don't think it affects the strategic alliance between Russia and China. I don't think there's much immediate operational impact on the Ukraine conflict. The purged Youxia was a key interlocutor between Russia and China, so I wondered if that has an impact, or signals a change in relations.

Personally, I wonder if it makes China more or less likely to invade Taiwan. More likely because there are fewer brakes on Jinping's power, but less likely as he moves to ensure the side effects of the purge aren't distracting as he consolidates power.

Specifically vis-a-vis Russian execution of war efforts, my take is:

1) Constrains large scale Chinese millitary support of Russia.
2) Serious quality control issues with advanced missiles and aerospace, the sectors Russia would want to tap.
3) CCP is most cocnerned about corruption and factionalism inside the PLA, which could jeopardize Chinese security.
4) Moscow's lifeline is China both for economic and technological reasons. PLA turmoil means fewer exports.
5) Long term Russian dependence on Chinese industry reinforces Russia's status as the junior partner.
6) Just my general suspicion, but that because of the purges, the American military and diplomats have fewer touchpoints with the CCP and PLA.
7) Ukraine is marginally aided by capping Russia's upside (realistic or otherwise) from Chinese military aid, and therefore, Russia will not gain a new decisive battlefield edge.

[Mick]

I apologize for the thread drift, I was unintentionally obscure. China and Russia are close allies, and both Putin and Jinping are at the heads of political systems that are similar, and in which both are under some duress -- for very different reasons. Both Putin and Jinping have conducted purges in countries with history of purges. And finally, like Putin, Jinping has consolidated power, specifically millitary power. The Central Military Commission is down to Jinping and the accuser Zhenli.

I don't think it affects the strategic alliance between Russia and China. I don't think there's much immediate operational impact on the Ukraine conflict. The purged Youxia was a key interlocutor between Russia and China, so I wondered if that has an impact, or signals a change in relations.

Personally, I wonder if it makes China more or less likely to invade Taiwan. More likely because there are fewer brakes on Jinping's power, but less likely as he moves to ensure the side effects of the purge aren't distracting as he consolidates power.

Specifically vis-a-vis Russian execution of war efforts, my take is:

1) Constrains large scale Chinese millitary support of Russia.
2) Serious quality control issues with advanced missiles and aerospace, the sectors Russia would want to tap.
3) CCP is most cocnerned about corruption and factionalism inside the PLA, which could jeopardize Chinese security.
4) Moscow's lifeline is China both for economic and technological reasons. PLA turmoil means fewer exports.
5) Long term Russian dependence on Chinese industry reinforces Russia's status as the junior partner.
6) Just my general suspicion, but that because of the purges, the American military and diplomats have fewer touchpoints with the CCP and PLA.
7) Ukraine is marginally aided by capping Russia's upside (realistic or otherwise) from Chinese military aid, and therefore, Russia will not gain a new decisive battlefield edge.