Look up the 100 year marathon and mao's plan. Russians are not patient or long term strategizing like CCP. They know they have the population and capability and a head-on conflict in the short term undermined their long term goals. If they have their way, they would win many wars without a single shot being fired. Look at how mighty american companies grovel at the CCPs feet, that's how they fight. Russia tries this also by implementing puppet regimes but their approach is too bold and aggressive and requires too much tongue-in-cheek from regular people. Look at how efficiently China subdued hong kong vs Russia's attempts with ukraine prior to zelensky (his predecessor was a russian puppet).