Have the Chinese actually said that?
Actually, you are right to call me on that. They said they would provide financial assistance only if officially called on to do so - which is not a refusal, but an offer! (got caught up in the context of the article which was not primarily about finance). They were also making noises about the importance of keeping Putin in power - which would fit well your analysis. If someone else gets in then Russia's economy might stand a chance.