Xi’s trip to Central Asia has been very successful. It has allowed him to re-emphasize China’s positive role in the region and to reinvigorate the BRI, while subtly standing apart from Russia. The PRC’s readout of the meeting with Putin did not mention Ukraine, nor did it use such language as a partnership without limits. Xi is patiently and carefully walking a fine line, and sending signals to Putin that China too, has its own interests and red lines. This is very important should Putin consider further escalation in Ukraine.