China-Russia relationship

Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Russian Security Council, described the "strengthening of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Beijing as an unconditional priority of Russia's foreign policy."

No matter the areas of friction or tactical disagreement, China and Russia share a core worldview that binds them together.

Xi is expected to travel to Kazakhstan on September 14 and then travel to Uzbekistan for the SCO summit, where he will meet with Russian President Putin.

The China-Russia soft power rivalry in Uzbekistan plays out most clearly via language and education programs.

In the face of isolation from the West, Russia feels that it has no choice but buttress this strategic partnership with China.

Market complementarity, political pressures, and the old dictum to follow profit shape Sino-Russian economic ties.

Despite attesting to their closeness and political alignment, hard economic returns are a long time coming.

Russia needs China, but China has options.

The military exercise includes an amphibious and airborne landing by Russian and Chinese troops.

China and Russia will hold a naval exercise in the Sea of Japan in late August.