The West is breaking up, here is what Russia and China must do

RUSSIA and China have emerged in recent years as standard-bearers of a world that aspires to multipolarity, sovereignty and respect for international law.

- TIMOFEY BORDACHEV

Their strategic partnership, tested by global crises and geopolitical turbulence, now serves as a cornerstone of what is often called the “world majority”: a growing group of states seeking independence in foreign policy and development.

Despite intense Western pressure, including sanctions and information campaigns, Moscow and Beijing have preserved and even deepened their cooperation. This partnership is not only important in itself, but rather has global significance. It is a model for how major powers can challenge regressive structures while remaining committed to international norms.

As Russia and China consolidate their own partnership, they must also pay close attention to major changes underway in the Western bloc itself. In particular, the US and Europe are opening new opportunities – but also bring risks that must be understood and addressed.

Fractures in the Western Bloc

First, there is growing divergence between the US and its European allies. We have seen Western Euro-pean capitals express dismay and opposition over several decisions from Washington, indicating a widening strategic gap. As these countries try to recalibrate in response to an increasingly unpredictable US, mutual understandings are improving. What was once a monolithic and unified collective West now shows a complex segmentation of interests and visions.