Russia Suggests Possible Alliance with China in the Event of a Threat

MOSCOW — On ⁣Wednesday, Russia clarified that​ its alliance with China ​is not intended to target any third nations. However, they emphasized​ that ‍the two nations ⁤could “unite their potential” if they were to face ⁤a⁣ threat from the United States.

“In response‍ to the ‘double ⁣containment’ strategy by the United States, Moscow and Beijing will retaliate with ‘double counteraction’,”​ stated Maria Zakharova, the ⁢Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, in response to a query about the potential deployment of U.S. missiles in Japan.

According to ⁣a report by The Japan Times on Sept. 7, the United States has shown interest⁤ in deploying a Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for joint ​military drills.

Zakharova, during her weekly ⁤press briefing, ‍stated, “It is evident that both Russia and‍ China‍ will respond to the emergence of additional and significant missile threats.​ Their reaction will not​ be merely political, a​ fact that has been repeatedly affirmed by both nations.”

She further emphasized that​ the⁣ strategic partnership between Russia and China is not intended to be aggressive.

“Our ⁣relations are not aimed at any third countries… and the ‘double ⁣counteraction’ does ⁣not contradict ‌this. ‍This is⁣ a defensive ‌stance, not an⁤ initiative to target other nations,” Zakharova responded to a⁢ question from⁣ Reuters.

“However, if we are faced with an aggressive policy of ​attack from ​a single source, why ⁣shouldn’t we unite our potential‌ and provide an appropriate response?”⁤ she added.

In 2022, Presidents Vladimir Putin‍ and ‍Xi ⁢Jinping signed a “no limits” partnership agreement, just under three weeks ​before ⁢Putin ⁢deployed his troops into Ukraine. In May of this ‌year, they agreed to further deepen what they termed their “comprehensive partnership ⁣and strategic⁢ cooperation” for a new era.

While the two ‍countries have not announced a formal military alliance, Putin described them as “allies in ⁢every sense​ of the word” last week.

Russia​ and China have conducted joint military exercises, including naval drills⁤ that commenced on Tuesday. Putin, who oversaw the launch of the⁢ maneuvers, cautioned the United States against trying to outpace Russia by increasing its military power in the Asia-Pacific region.