Russia hand's demotion forces a shift in Xi's strategy

China's "diplomatic moderates" hold considerable power. They attach importance to striking a balance between the U.S. and Russia.

Russia hand's demotion forces a shift in Xi's strategy

The demotion of Le Yucheng, China's first vice foreign minister and President Xi Jinping's point man for Russia, has sent shock waves through national political circles.

"There is no ceiling on China-Russia relations," Le said excitedly after the now-famed summit between Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Feb. 4. "The express train of China-Russia relations is always running on track - no terminal, just filling stations," he said.

His analysis has not aged well.

In China, "diplomatic moderates" hold considerable power. They attach importance to striking a balance between the U.S. and Russia. The events in Ukraine have made Le a punching bag for their frustrations.

The fact that Xi green lighted the benching makes one thing clear. It is that in the run-up to the party's national congress, the No. 1 priority in foreign policy is to rebuild Chinese diplomacy with the U.S.