China and Russia’s Growing Alliance

In a recent meeting in Beijing, the presidents of China and Russia, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, “pledged a ‘new era’ of partnership between the two most powerful rivals of the United States, which they cast as an aggressive Cold War hegemon sowing chaos across the world” (Reuters, May 17, 2024). In 2022, the two nations declared their partnership to have “no limits”; the two world leaders used the recent meeting to announce a “new era” that will spring from their strategic partnership, pledging to cooperate more in areas of automobile manufacturing, peaceful nuclear power, and food supplies. The two nations already carry out annual joint military training exercises, and Russia has shared missile defense technology with China (Financial Times, May 16, 2024). Jinping and Putin also made clear statements condemning actions of the U.S. and other Western nations, while highlighting how the relationship between their two nations brings more stability to the world.

While Russia and China have a checkered history, the last couple of decades have witnessed increasing cooperation and joint efforts, often motivated by their reactions to the West. However, the growing Russia-China alliance should not be a surprise. Bible prophecy reveals that as the end of the age approaches, powers from the East will grow strong, and a vast Asiatic army will play a critical and devastating role in end-time events (Daniel 11:40–45; Revelation 9:16). This army will no doubt be comprised of and supported by the finances and weaponry of Russia and China, and perhaps other Asiatic nations. To gain a better understanding of what the future holds, read “The Coming Clash of Civilizations.”