MOSCOW: Russia declared on Wednesday that its partnership with China is not intended to target other nations, but acknowledged that the two countries could combine their resources if faced with a threat from the United States. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow and Beijing would employ a “double counteraction” in response to any US efforts at “double containment,” particularly in light of potential US missile deployments in Japan.
A report by The Japan Times on September 7 highlighted US interest in stationing a Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan for joint military exercises. Zakharova emphasized that Russia and China would respond to significant missile threats with actions beyond political statements, affirming their commitment to a defensive partnership.
Zakharova clarified that the strategic alliance between Russia and China is meant for defensive purposes, not offensive. “Our relations are not aimed at other countries… and double counteraction does not contradict this. It is a defensive stance, not an initiative to target others,” she told Reuters. “However, if an aggressive policy is directed against us, we may combine our strengths to respond appropriately.”
In 2022, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping established a “no limits” partnership, shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, they agreed to enhance their “comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” for the new era.
Though no formal military alliance has been declared, Putin recently described Russia and China as “allies in every sense of the word.” The two nations have conducted joint military exercises, including naval drills that began on Tuesday. Putin, overseeing these maneuvers, cautioned the US against attempting to overpower Russia by escalating its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
