Across the left, there are currents — from communist parties to broader progressive forces — that elevate China and Russia as the “anti-imperialist” counterweight to U.S. hegemony. Within the ideological framework of so-called multipolarity, these states are portrayed as the alternative power bloc that will restrain imperialism and give oppressed nations breathing space.
Yet Palestine exposes this myth. As Gaza burns, Moscow and Beijing issue statements while preserving trade, diplomacy, and investment with Netanyahu Government. Their actions reveal not liberation, but complicity.
Moscow, too, issues harsh words. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemns Israel’s war crimes and calls for humanitarian corridors. But while Russia can cut off Europe from its gas overnight, it has not taken a single concrete step to isolate Israel. Diplomatic relations remain intact. Trade continues. No sanctions, no expulsions, no ruptures. Russia seeks “balance” to maintain leverage in the Middle East, preferring to posture as mediator while the bombs fall. That is not anti-imperialism — it is pure opportunism.
Both states wield their U.N. vetoes and present themselves as counterweights to Washington. Yet vetoes and speeches do not starve the Israeli war machine. They do not block weapons shipments. They do not bring medicine to Gaza. They are, at best, symbolic — at worst, cover for continued collaboration. Anti-imperialism is not expressed in empty resolutions but in breaking the material lifelines of colonialism: arms, capital, trade, and technology.
China and Russia are not anti-imperialist. They are capitalist powers with their own interests, building markets and pursuing influence. Their hesitation to confront Israel reveals their true priority: integration into global capital, not solidarity with the oppressed. They exploit Palestine as a diplomatic card against Washington, but they will not risk investments or trade for the lives of Palestinians.
We must speak clearly: to measure a state’s role in anti-imperialism, we must look at its deeds. Has China sanctioned Israel? No. Has Russia broken ties? No. Both remain enmeshed in commercial and political relations with the Israeli state. Their “neutrality” is complicity.
The global working class cannot rely on capitalist powers — East or West — to liberate Palestine. Only mass movements, workers’ actions, and international solidarity can impose the costs that Beijing and Moscow refuse to impose. Ports must refuse Israeli cargo. Unions must break contracts with companies tied to the occupation. Movements must force divestment where governments will not.
Anti-imperialism means action, not rhetoric. The leaderships of China and Russia have chosen the path of profit.
* Nikos Mottas is the Editor-in-Chief of In Defense of Communism.
