Russia

The show “Xi Jinping’s Favorite Classical Quotes” on TV channel Russia 24 is just one example of Chinese-produced content airing in Russia.

For Moscow, AUKUS is a threat to the delicate balance in the Asia-Pacific – a region that is crucial to Russia’s economic plans and foreign policy strategy.

China is finally taking concrete steps toward mediation, but its “pro-Russia neutrality” remains very much in evidence.

India may have its own relations with Russia, but Moscow and Beijing’s closeness is a growing problem for New Delhi.

While Kazakhstan's government is balancing, these Kazakhstanis have already picked a side in Putin's war on Ukraine. 

The Afghanistan issue gives Moscow another reason to remain closely engaged in the security affairs of Central Asia.

There are safer ways for Beijing to address Russian munitions shortages in Ukraine than sending Chinese weapons to the frontlines.

Usmanov was personally sanctioned shortly after the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, but new sanctions target his “wide network of businesses.”

Russia's efforts to establish "regional air defense systems" within the existing CIS joint air defense system are not new.

Mongolia has no alternative but to keep healthy relations with its neighbors, but that fact does not negate Ulaanbaatar's commitment to democracy or its “third neighbor” policy.

Growing divisions within the CSTO -- over Ukraine, Afghanistan, and various internal disputes -- may have serious implications for the region’s security architecture.

But Xi gave no indication Beijing would use its leverage as Vladimir Putin's diplomatic partner to press for a settlement.