, Columnist
Russia-China Alliance of Autocrats Makes Sense. For Now.
The two nations are linked by a common enemy, the U.S., but are headed in very different directions.
All smiles.
Photographer: Greg Baker/Getty Images
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China’s un-diplomatic diplomacy has become a strategic liability, alienating many of the countries President Xi Jinping might like to draw into his orbit. But it isn’t just anxious democracies that are becoming wary of Chinese power. There are subtle signs of strain in China’s relationship with Russia, its most powerful autocratic friend.
The China-Russia partnership is vital for both countries, so don’t look for a dramatic break anytime soon. Still, Russian President Vladimir Putin is probably starting to wonder how dangerous an ascendant China will be.