This Year's Most Outstanding International Journalist's Question? Zhongnanhai Publicly Humiliated

At a routine press conference held by the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Russian journalist posed a sharp question that publicly embarrassed Zhongnanhai. (Video screenshot)

[People News] On March 9, a question was raised during the CCP's Ministry of Foreign Affairs routine press conference, which some have deemed the best international journalist question of the year.

Elina, a reporter from 'Today Russia,' asked CCP spokesperson Guo Jiakun: Reports indicate that the Estonian Foreign Minister recently remarked on Russian President Putin, stating that Putin's friends are either in heaven, in hell, or in prison, with only a few remaining, such as North Korea and China. This statement has generated significant attention and controversy. What is China's response to this? (Video link)

Elina, the attractive reporter, left no room for face-saving, instantly freezing the atmosphere in the room. After posing such a question, she calmly asked for China's perspective.

The spokesperson from the CCP present was Guo Jiakun. Despite his displeasure, Guo Jiakun responded, saying: 'We hope that the Estonian side views China-Russia relations objectively and rationally, and refrains from making irresponsible remarks.'

Commentator Fang Yuan believes that Guo Jiakun did not blame the questioning Russian journalist but instead directed his criticism at the Estonian Foreign Minister. He did not dare to confront Russia directly, vividly illustrating the helplessness of diplomacy. A synonym for utter powerlessness.

In reality, Elina was well aware that asking this question would place Beijing in a highly awkward situation. So, why did the Russian media suddenly 'turn against' it?

In fact, there have been signs of this situation for some time. Russia is quietly moving closer to the West, while Beijing finds itself in a helpless position.

From Russia's viewpoint, Beijing has been playing a double game in recent years: publicly claiming neutrality while actually providing strong support to Russia.

However, during a meeting last July with Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Wáng Yì) inadvertently revealed that Beijing does not want Russia to fail on the battlefield in Ukraine, fearing that the United States would then focus all its attention on China.

At that time, some analysts suggested that Wang Yi's comments were not a mere slip of the tongue but rather a 'deliberate leak.' Beijing's overarching strategy appears to be to prolong the Russia-Ukraine war to restrain European and American countries, thereby giving China an opportunity to attack Taiwan.

Today's Russia is a shadow of its former self. Regardless of the eventual outcome of the conflict, its military capabilities have been significantly weakened, and its economy is under tremendous strain.

Many believe that a diminished Russia may increasingly depend on Beijing in the future, placing itself in a more subordinate position in its relationship with China.

Reports indicate that dissatisfaction with Beijing is rising not only among high-ranking officials but also within Russian civil society and among certain elite circles. Some view Beijing as using Russia as a buffer against the West, and that it could withdraw its support at any moment if circumstances change.

This growing sense of distrust is gradually shifting from private conversations to public expressions.

Meanwhile, Putin is also active. At the 2025 Alaska Summit, he publicly expressed his willingness to discuss security issues in Ukraine with the United States and Europe, even extending an olive branch to the U.S. regarding nuclear matters.

This situation puts Beijing in a rather awkward position. China has been supporting Russia in resisting Western pressure and opposing NATO expansion, but now Putin has gone directly to negotiate with Washington, leaving Beijing without even the right to be informed.

According to a commentary by Fang Yuan, this sentiment of 'I take the bullets for you while you negotiate behind my back' must leave Beijing feeling quite unsettled.

Reporter Ailina's question essentially relayed a message from Putin to Beijing: 'Cut the act; everyone is aware of the situation.'
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