China's Xi Jinping has formed close ties with Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia.
But the Wagner rebellion exposed that Putin's authority is shakier than Xi realised, an analyst told Insider.
If Russia loses against Ukraine, Xi would face global humiliation.
If there are further signs Putin's grip on power is weakening, and chaos could engulf Russia, Xi faces a tough choice.
"It's unlikely that Xi will go out of his way to support Putin's regime if that entails significant risks to China itself.
Persons:
China's, Jinping, Vladimir Putin's, Putin, Wagner, Xi, —, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Graeme Thompson, Moscow —, Thompson, Jonathan Ward, Ward
Organizations:
Service, Kremlin, Ukraine, Eurasia Group, Reuters, Atlas Group, Russia, West, Beijing
Locations:
Russia, Ukraine, China, Moscow, Taiwan, Beijing