In an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times, Prof. Minxin Pei said that whether or not China—the world’s second-largest economy—sides with Russia in its war on Ukraine, it will pay a hefty price. “Short-term inconveniences pale in comparison with potential long-term risks and costs if China fails to strike a delicate balance between supporting Russia, its strategic partner of convenience, and preventing ties with the West from collapsing completely.”