Unlike in the confrontation 1970s, China and Russia have established a comprehensive strategic partnership and see eye-to-eye on key international issues. The US and Russia, meanwhile, have many strategic conflicts and are unlikely to develop a close relationship, despite President-elect Trump’s possible wishful thinking.

Generations of Chinese leaders have said China aims to have the minimum capability required to launch an effective nuclear counterattack. From the long-term perspective, global disarmament has always been China’s goal, and the country should lead the way to keep other major powers faithful to that goal.

The relations among China, Russia and the US have direct and significant bearing on the global situation. In their own self-interest, the three countries should form a kind of synergy to promote the development of the global economy, cope with natural disasters, fight against terrorism, and forge and defend a just and rational international order.

China has accepted some gains from the world order established by the United States, but they disapprove of how the structure reflects exclusively American values and is buttressed “by a military alignment, which does not take into consideration the security interests of others.” Some Chinese commentators can also see a great benefit to aligning with Russia to offset the U.S.; however, uncertainty about regional powers and IGO influence remains pivotal to the current great-power structure.

Alignment and bloc politics would lead to standoff and confrontation, and would be harmful to regional and global peace, while the non-alignment policy conforms to the trend of the times and the fundamental interests of China. Therefore, non-alignment is the natural and inevitable choice of the country. If the US seeks to cooperate with China and Russia, all parties would benefit.

The joint operations provide Chinese forces valuable opportunities to test their skills and tactics. But if the West is really concerned with China and Russia’s intentions behind these drills, it needs some soul-searching to ask what “common threats’ have driven the two countries to get closer faster than anticipated.

The death of President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan could engender major changes in the Sino-Russian relationship in Central Asia, despite Beijing and Moscow maintaining a harmonious, if not especially close, partnership in the region for years.

Neither Beijing nor Moscow have the intention to form a military alliance, which would conflict with a key component of the concept of “a harmonious world” central to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China and Russia face different circumstances, and choosing a strategic partnership of coordination instead of alliance leaves necessary room for both to deal with their individual national interests.

China and Russia will hold "routine" naval exercises in the South China Sea in September, China's Defence Ministry said on Thursday, adding that the drills were aimed at strengthening their cooperation and were not aimed at any other country.

Enhancing ties with Beijing gives Russia some breathing room as the country is squeezed politically and economically because of its moves in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Doubts about Russia’s ability to pay back debts and good faith in pursuing such cooperation aside, there are benefits for China, too, in balancing US global power and influence.