As China and Russia have grown closer in recent years, many describe their relationship as a marriage of convenience. Both nations have agreed to strengthen bilateral coordination on foreign policy. Chinese and Russian foreign ministers have recently reaffirmed their common positions on Syria, North Korea, Afghanistan, and the 5+1 agreement on Iran. The China-Russia partnership might also be described as an arranged marriage: Western sanctions on Russia, a recession in Europe, and a slowing economy in China have pushed China and Russia into deeper cooperation with each other.
Kennan Cable No.19: One Bed, Different Dreams
