Many in the West think Sino-Russian ties are the key to a resolution of the conflict. But this is a significant strategic misjudgment. Any durable peace in Ukraine must be found through negotiations between the parties directly involved.

China and Russia have different narratives in describing the anti-fascist victory‌ that ended World War II. Both nations made immense sacrifices that fundamentally shaped postwar reconstruction and reshaped global governance. So why do they continue to grapple?

China and Russia, long united by shared strategic objectives, have formed a quasi-alliance that poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests. As the Trump administration navigates this complex relationship, could strengthening U.S. alliances and boosting military readiness be the key to countering this formidable partnership?

China’s relationship with Russia puts its relationship at risk with the West, and is perhaps the most significant challenge in China-U.S. relations.

Two years ago, I outlined eight lessons from the Ukraine War. And though I warned that it was too early to be confident about any predictions, they have held up

China and Russia have grown closer, but not just because they want to support one another in the face of Western pressure. Their relations have a long-standing momentum of their own. Guided by their heads of state, the comprehensive strategic partnership will only grow stronger.

The international system seems unable to curb hegemonism and Cold War thinking, but China-Russia strategic coordination can mark a new path. As the two nations achieve win-win cooperation through the “five always” standard, the fundamental interests of the Chinese people will be served in the process.

China and Russia’s maligned relationship looks on the surface to be a new axis of power against the U.S. - but by playing it safe, China seeks to reap the benefits of Russia’s favor without offending the West.

At the recent international security gathering, China made clear that it opposes military hegemony — where a superpower seeks to settle disputes by force. China, by contrast is working to bring the international community together to shape a new order that is more just and reasonable.

The friendship between Russia and China may seem ideological on the surface, but it could significantly benefit the PRC in the event of more supply chain difficulties, or a military conflict with the United States. And though Xi Jinping is focused on self-sufficiency and dual circulation plans domestically, he still knows that China will always need to import certain goods and materials to operate its economy - and Russia and its controlled territories could supply those essential resources.