Virtual: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

In 1972, President Richard Nixon’s visit to China reshaped U.S. foreign policy, weakening the Sino-Soviet bloc and redefining global power dynamics. Today, some wonder if President Donald Trump can orchestrate a “reverse Nixon,” this time pulling Russia away from China.

The U.S., China, and Russia hold the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, command its biggest military budgets, and shape global affairs through their economic and geopolitical influence. China and Russia have declared a “no limits” partnership, this time with Russia as the weaker partner. Russia has invaded Ukraine while China’s rise in the East has raised concerns about its intentions. Trilateral relations between these countries, and possible opportunities for Trump, are clearly not small matters.

Will President Trump—who has shown he’s willing to stray from the standard moves of American primacy—be able to meaningfully change this situation? Are Russia and China actually forming a so-called “Axis of Authoritarianism”? How do their interests overlap and diverge? Are there genuine opportunities for cooperation with the United States that can help achieve our key priorities? This discussion will explore the complex ties among these three powers and what’s at stake for the future of international order.