I wouldn’t be surprised if they were secretly supporting them. I agree, all they’re after there is expanding their power and influence in the Middle East and elsewhere around the world. They are still reeling from the humiliations of the Reagan era. A very recent report said they are building a major military base on the Ukraine border.
China and Russia to build major seaport: report
China and Russia will build one of the largest ports in north-east Asia on Russia’s Sea of Japan coast, reports say, in a further sign of the powerhouses’ growing alliance.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-11/china-and-russia-to-build-major-seaport-report/5738036