China Russia Strengthen Strategic Cooperation Amid Global Realignments

In November 2025, China and Russia reaffirmed and strengthened their comprehensive strategic partnership during high-level talks in Hangzhou, emphasizing expanded cooperation across trade, energy, agriculture, digital economy, and security sectors despite Western sanctions. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin described their bilateral relationship as reaching historic heights, underscoring ongoing progress in investment protection and multi-sector collaboration. This deepening alliance follows closely after U.S. President Donald Trump's summit with Xi Jinping, which did not address China's purchase of Russian oil, leaving Moscow seeking to reinforce ties with Beijing amid global geopolitical shifts. Meanwhile, China and South Korea also pledged to deepen economic and diplomatic ties during Xi Jinping's first state visit to South Korea in 11 years, aiming to stabilize their relationship amid regional security and supply-chain challenges. These developments are part of a broader trend of China expanding its global partnerships, including Ethiopia, where a strategic partnership has facilitated significant trade and cooperation, signaling a shift toward multipolar international relations and diminishing Western influence. Together, these moves illustrate China's efforts to solidify its global influence through diversified strategic alliances.