The White House stated that it’s “no surprise” that Russia and communist China continue to strengthen their strategic partnership after the two countries’ leaders hugged twice in front of cameras on May 17.
“What they have in common is a desire to challenge the international rules-based order, challenge the network of alliances and partnerships that the United States enjoys, [and] try to look for ways to bolster each other’s national security interests,” John Kirby, President Joe Biden’s national security spokesman, told reporters at a May 17 briefing.
