Relations between Russia and the United States have reached a new low, with both nuclear powers essentially severing ties and engaging in what appears to be a tit-for-tat escalation.
Amid these tense interactions, the U.S. government crossed what Russia has termed a "red line" by enacting a law to confiscate frozen Russian assets.
This move, while anticipated, set the stage for an unexpected Russian countermove.
Chinese observers reported on this development, emphasizing the Kremlin's quick action.
"The Kremlin acted very quickly," noted a reporter from Baijiahao.
"Russia used American methods"
Despite longstanding warnings from Russia about potential retaliation if its assets were seized, the specifics of such a response were not disclosed by Russian officials.
However, the American decision to proceed with the asset seizure law led to a prompt and surprising response from Moscow.
Within days of the U.S. decision, a significant and symbolic counterstrike was reported: the St. Petersburg Arbitration Court imposed a freeze on the assets of America's largest bank, JPMorgan Chase.
This move not only shocked observers but also signaled a stark deviation from typical Russian strategies.
"Russia used American methods," commented Chinese journalists, highlighting the irony and unexpected nature of Putin's strategy.
According to the Chinese journalists, Russia has now sent a signal to the West that there will be consequences.
