News Analysis The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership has positioned itself to benefit from escalating tensions in Ukraine—regardless of what side, if any, initiates a military confrontation between Kyiv and Moscow. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 19 with calls to reject division and confrontation and instead embrace “the banner of multilateralism.” These announcements coincide with the rapidly deteriorating geopolitical situation in Eastern Ukraine. Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to the “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” of all countries. “Ukraine is no exception to the principle.” The CCP leadership’s call for a diplomatic solution and a halt to aggression in the region should not be interpreted as a departure from a deepening Moscow-Beijing axis; rather, it is representative of the China-first, realpolitik approach to international relations that is the cornerstone of CCP foreign policy. That is the only true North Star principle …