- In response to U.S. and EU sanctions on the Russian oil industry,
Russia exported more crude oil to energy-hungry countries in Asia. China
purchased 8.42 million tons of Russian oil in May, a 55 percent
increase from the same time last year. Russia is now China's largest
source of oil. [BBC]
- But the bilateral relationship goes well beyond energy. The Chinese
and Russian militaries engage in joint exercises (and have for years),
team up at the U.N. Security Council to undermine U.S. positions,
exchange billions in trade ($147 B last year), and boast of a
partnership with "no limits." Chinese President Xi and Russian President Putin talk frequently—and both appeared at the BRICS summit on Thursday. [CNN]
- With Russia increasingly isolated in the West due to its invasion
of Ukraine, China has become more indispensable for Moscow
diplomatically and economically. China-Russia relations developed into a
solid partnership tracing back to 2014, when U.S. pressure on both
prodded these historical adversaries toward a greater alignment. [Foreign Affairs]
- However, despite claims of a "no limits" partnership, China and
Russia are not strategic allies committed to one another's defense and
development. Both pursue their own distinct interests. While a mutual
threat perception toward U.S. hegemony has strengthened the
relationship, those dynamics could change with a shift in U.S. policy. [WOTR / Yun Sun]
- While China is willing to help Russia navigate U.S. and European
sanctions, it won't sacrifice its own strategic position in the process.
No two countries possess identical interests—China and Russia are no
exception. [NRO / Daniel DePetris]
- It may be too late for the U.S. to avoid a China-Russia partnership
altogether, but it could limit the fallout. Given the combined
conventional, economic, and nuclear might of a China-Russia axis, U.S.
policymakers should adjust our strategy to avoid needlessly solidifying
an anti-U.S. bloc. [Boston Globe / Stephen Kinzer]
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