As U.S. relations with Russia continue to deteriorate, Russia has turned to China in search of a regional ally that can counterbalance the U.S.-led NATO bloc. Now, Ted Galen Carpenter explains how China has two foreign policy objectives at risk due to the increased tensions.

How have different foreign policy approaches changed U.S. relations with Russia and China? As Zheng Yu explains, these differing policies and perspectives have become clearer as a result of the Ukraine Crisis and U.S.-led sanctions against Russia.

As details continue to emerge surrounding Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, Yu Sui lays out four lessons the international community can learn from the aftermath of this tragic event.

The tragedy of flight MH17 may be a turning point for the crisis in Ukraine as international public opinion turns against Pro-Russia forces and Russia. In a world where regional conflicts are globalized, the Sino-Russian relationship could complicate relations between China and Europe, but the renewed focus on Russia may force the US to reduce strategic pressures on China.

Given the recent rhetoric about Russia’s resurgence and the country’s attempt at controlling Ukraine, Zheng Yu analyzes and discusses US policies that are key to containing Russia. Additionally, Yu stresses that Russia will eventually and inevitably have to come to terms with these policies.

Following issues in Crimea, the topic of “core national interests” continues to emerge as a critical point in geopolitics. As Stephen Harner explains, it is necessary for the United States to follow China’s lead and define its own core interests. By eliminating any uncertainty over national priorities, both nations can continue seeking “A New Type of Great Power Relations.”

As international tensions increase over Russia’s actions in Crimea, China continues to keep a low profile. Ted Galen Carpenter explains that as China’s leaders exhibit nervous ambivalence over the developments, the United States should not misinterpret this as siding with Western powers.

Following the crisis in Ukraine, Russia-US relations will have to go through a readjustment, relaxation and gradual improvement, writes Yu Sui.

Skillful Chinese diplomacy has managed to transform an initial damage limitation strategy into one that will likely bring benefits to Beijing. China has won praise from both sides of the conflict without suffering any major costs. Although Beijing will not apply sanctions to Moscow for its actions, China has expressed disapproval of the Crimean referendum through its silence—probably the best Washington can hope for.

Although China’s response to the current crisis in Ukraine has been complex; China has increasing tilted toward Moscow. This decision has drawn praise from within China, but criticism from the international community.