Emerging contest among China, the U.S., and Russia.
Today, the Straits Times cites a Bloomberg report indicating that sources close to the Kremlin have revealed Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China, but may not travel to the United States for the G20 summit. This would mark Putin’s first personal attendance at an APEC meeting since 2017.
The decision to attend one event while declining another underscores a distinct strategic calculus between Beijing and Washington. The current global order resembles a modern reenactment of the Three Kingdoms era: the United States treats both China and Russia as strategic competitors, pursuing containment through sustained pressure; meanwhile, China and Russia have deepened their strategic partnership, advancing cooperation across multiple domains. After more than four years of war in Ukraine and continued economic sanctions from the West, Russia faces mounting domestic and international pressures. In this context, China’s role as a comprehensive strategic partner has become increasingly significant. Putin’s visit to China reflects both a high-level commitment to bilateral ties and a calculated effort to secure strategic support amid growing isolation.
The G20, dominated by Western interests, presents a diplomatic minefield for Putin. His absence serves both to avoid potential diplomatic awkwardness and to signal a firm stance against Western pressure. Conversely, attending APEC in China—where the event is hosted—delivers a clear message: Russia’s strategic orientation is shifting eastward, and its coordination with China is poised to grow closer.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876997576238089/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.