China is viewed as prioritizing its own interests while considering whether to assist Russia.

• A former deputy sanctions coordinator for the U.S. State Department stated that China will prioritize its own interests when determining whether to assist Russia in managing the consequences of Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict.
• He stated that China can provide "some degree" of assistance to Russia as it faces the consequences of those sanctions.
• Beijing has refused to label Russia's attack on Ukraine as an invasion and has stated that it will maintain normal trade relations with both countries, despite the U.S., EU, and other countries imposing sanctions on Russia.

A former deputy sanctions coordinator for the U.S. State Department stated that China will prioritize its own interests when determining whether to assist Russia in managing the consequences of Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict.

Richard Nephew stated on CNBC Monday that the U.S. government views China as crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of its sanctions. He also noted that China has the capacity to provide "some degree" of assistance to Russia as it faces the consequences of those sanctions.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. and European Union have imposed sanctions on Russia's banks, central bank, and the assets of its oligarchs. Additionally, the U.S. recently imposed bans on Russian oil.

Beijing is closely monitored by investors as the sanctions affect Russia's economy. Moscow relies on China for assistance in dealing with the economic impact, according to the Financial Times. However, the U.S. is cautioning China against supporting the rogue nation.

Nephew stated on CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" that the Chinese will always prioritize their national interests while still having a significant interest in conducting business in Europe and the United States.

The perception of China as undermining the sanctions campaign pursued by the United States or Europe may negatively impact that campaign. I believe the Chinese will take this seriously.

Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China has maintained normal trade with both countries and not joined the sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and other countries. Last week, Premier Li Keqiang expressed China's concern about the crisis in Ukraine and warned that sanctions could harm global growth.

If Washington were to "coerce" Beijing into not supporting Russia, it is unlikely to have a significant impact, according to Nephew, a senior research scholar at Columbia University.

He stated that although he believes China will prioritize their own interests, they will set aside frustration, irritation, and other concerns to do so.

He stated that while it is not necessary to cooperate with Russia quietly, it is absolutely crucial not to openly defy U.S., European sanctions on Russia.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, is scheduled to have talks with Yang Jiechi, China's top foreign policy official, on Monday to discuss the invasion of Ukraine.

The Group of Seven countries, comprising the U.S. and Germany, have a larger global economic share than China and Russia, despite China's trade with Russia.

In 2021, China's customs agency reported that Russia and Ukraine were China's largest trade partners, with trade between China and Russia reaching a record high of $146.9 billion, up 35.8% year-on-year. Additionally, China's imports from Russia exceeded exports by more than $10 billion last year.

Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow and Russia chair at Carnegie Moscow Center, stated that he anticipates China to strictly adhere to the U.S. and EU sanctions. However, he noted that Beijing will take all necessary actions outside the scope of these sanctions.

After the war stabilizes, China may take advantage of low prices to purchase Russian oil and gas, according to Gabuev on CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Monday.

The regime will not face a formal violation of U.S. and EU sanctions, which will provide a significant material lifeline.

— CNBC’s Evelyn Cheng contributed to this report.