Beijing orders ‘stress test’ as fears of Russia-style sanctions mount

Exclusive: exercises are to prepare China for the possibility of similar embargoes from the US and its allies

Concerned about sweeping Russia-style sanctions from the west, Beijing has ordered a comprehensive stress test" to study the implications of a similar scenario for its economy, the Guardian has learned.

According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, an extensive exercise began around late February and early March when western allies imposed unprecedented sanctions against Moscow. Several key Chinese government agencies - from banking regulation to international trade - have been asked to come up with responses if the west imposed the same embargos on to China.