Russia and China Forge Alliances to Challenge US-led World Order

Russian President Vladimir Putin has formed alliances with several countries, including China, to challenge the US-led world order. China has become a key partner for Russia, with booming trade and increasing defense coordination. In 2023, bilateral trade between Russia and China hit a record $240 billion, making China Russia's top crude oil supplier [bbd0dd67]. Russia values having a powerful ally that shares its goal of challenging the US-led international order. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warm ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping, leading to booming trade and increasing defense coordination. China has become a major buyer of Russian energy and exports critical equipment and technologies to Russia, including microelectronics, drones, and intermediate goods. The two countries have formed a deeper alliance since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. China's support has allowed Russia to maintain its wartime economy and ramp up arms production [f71d9eca]. Additionally, Russia has turned to other countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, India, Brazil, Hungary, South Africa, and North Korea for diplomatic, economic, and military support in its efforts to reshape the US-led global order [e70396ca]. Despite efforts by the US and its allies to isolate Russia, Putin's alliances have prevented Russia from becoming isolated [187c001f].

On May 16, President Vladimir Putin visited China to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and China. Both countries are seeking to replace the US as the global hegemon and are pushing for an alternative world order based on peace, security, fairness, and justice. Russia and China have supported Iran against US sanctions and have helped enhance its regional and global standing. China has also provided support to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine. Both Russia and China are focusing on economic security and military regionalization as they challenge US global hegemony. China plans to showcase 9 aircraft carriers in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean by 2030. Pakistan should not solely rely on the US and should invest in relationships with powers in the East [196ab309].