Russia–China Strategic Alignment: Are They Headed Towards a Military Alliance?

In a short span, Moscow and Beijing have transformed their ties from Cold War hostility to a remarkably cordial and dynamic partnership. This transition enables them to expand their regional influence, resist Western pressure and play a dominant role in the Global South. Together, they possess resources, demonstrate determination and have military capability to challenge the superiority of the West. However, their growing strategic cooperation has fuelled speculations about a potential military alliance. This article addresses the following questions: first, how deep is the partnership between the two states? Second, how has US policy contributed to closer ties between the two states? Third, what is the extent of military co-operation between the two states? Are they headed towards a formal military alliance? And finally, how has this partnership fared during the Russia–Ukraine war? This article critically examines policy documents, statements of important leaders and views of experts from Russia, China and the United States. It draws inferences from data on Russia–China economic exchanges, defence agreements and declarations at bilateral and multilateral forums.