The recent meeting between top Chinese and Russian defense officials in Beijing has raised questions about their enhanced military cooperation and its impact on global geopolitics. The meeting, which highlighted the convergence of interests between the two countries, has attracted the attention of the United States and its allies.
Russian Defense Chief Andrey Belousov stressed the common vision shared by Russia and China, as well as their desire to strengthen their strategic partnership. The statement comes amid growing tensions between the West and the two nations, which have grown closer on security issues in recent months.
The joint military exercises conducted by Russia and China are seen as a message to Washington that while they are not allies, they are not isolated either. The discussions between Chinese and Russian officials underscored the importance of developing strong military relations to protect each other’s national sovereignty, security, and development interests, while contributing to international peace and stability.
Andrey Belousov’s visit to China comes shortly before Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s likely visit to Russia. The bilateral rapprochement is part of broader economic cooperation within the BRICS group, which has been portrayed as an alternative to the US-backed G7.
Rising trade between China and Russia has raised questions about Beijing’s economic support for Moscow, including through the provision of dual-use goods. Joint naval activities in the Arctic and the Pacific, as well as recent displays of force in the South China Sea, have heightened the focus on the strategic alliance.
China’s massive deployment of fighter jets around Taiwan has also attracted attention. The military exercises have been interpreted as a warning to pro-independence forces in Taiwan, in response to statements by the island’s new president to protect Taiwanese sovereignty in the face of Beijing’s claims.
Ultimately, China-Russia military cooperation raises questions about evolving geopolitical dynamics, the regional and global balance of power, and the ramifications of this alliance on the established world order. These recent developments highlight the need for international actors to review their strategies and alliances in an increasingly complex security environment.