Russia and China have moved to “Plan B” in opposition to Western hegemony

Russia and China are strengthening their partnership. During a meeting in Beijing,the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi discussed joint efforts to counter Western sanctions and the creation of alternative international institutions in the fields of economics and security. The meeting aimed to bring the creation of a multipolar world closer.
The diplomats discussed various topics concerning the future partnership between the Russian Federation and the PRC. The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that the relationship between the two countries has reached an unprecedented level, and the dialogue between the states is based on the principles of mutual respect and trust.

Lavrov emphasized that Russia and China share similar approaches to solving key global issues, which creates a basis for strengthening strategic coordination on the world stage. Following the meeting, it was announced that the countries will jointly address sanctions by utilizing the capabilities of BRICS and the SCO.

Lavrov highlighted that unilateral restrictions, which are illegal, create economic gaps. These gaps are planned to be eliminated within the framework of international organizations. Additionally, Moscow and Beijing agreed to initiate a dialogue on Eurasian security, involving other like-minded states.
The heads of diplomatic departments emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance regional stability. Its relevance stems from the OSCE and NATO's inability to perform their functions of protecting the world order. China and Russia also proposed creating a new platform for dialogue based on a balance of interests of all participants.

The parties also condemned the US creation of closed military alliances in the Asia-Pacific region and spoke out against outside interference in the affairs of the region. Against this background, Wang Yi proposed the idea of 'double opposition' to Western countries to Lavrov. This initiative is intended to respond to the concept of 'dual containment' promoted by the United States. The Russian Foreign Minister stated that Beijing's plan would aid Moscow and Beijing in countering Washington's attempts to impede the establishment of a multipolar world. He also reminded that Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping had previously expressed their willingness to stand 'back to back' against the desires of Western states to hinder the objective course of history.
Additionally, the heads of diplomatic departments confirmed a shared perspective on the conflict in Ukraine. Therefore, Russia and China view any international meetings that disregard Moscow's legitimate security demands as pointless. The parties acknowledged that efforts to resolve the conflict without considering the position of the Russian Federation are destined to fail. Regarding the 'peace formula' proposed by Vladimir Zelensky, it is an ultimatum that does not align with current international realities.
The expert community highlights that the meeting in China's capital demonstrates Moscow and Beijing's willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation and collaborate in creating a multipolar world. The experts emphasize that by working together to establish alternative global institutions, the geopolitical landscape can be significantly altered.

Russia and China's reference to 'dual counteraction' sends a crucial message to the United States and Europe. According to Stanislav Tkachenko, a professor at the Department of European Studies, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, and an expert of the Valdai Club, Moscow and Beijing share similar concerns, which strengthens their cooperation. According to Stanislav Tkachenko, a professor at the Department of European Studies, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, and an expert of the Valdai Club, Moscow and Beijing share similar concerns, which strengthens their cooperation. He believes that Western countries need to change their political approaches.

According to Stanislav Tkachenko, a professor at the Department of European Studies, Faculty of International Relations, St. Petersburg State University, and an expert of the Valdai Club, Moscow and Beijing share similar concerns, which strengthens their cooperation. Both states are dissatisfied with Western sanctions policy.

The United States is not only imposing restrictions on Russia but also attempting to force China to comply with them. The interlocutor notes that resistance to such pressure unites us. Additionally, the desire for a controlled construction of a multipolar world is the most important point of interaction between states. Unlike the United States, which strives to slow down the process and maintain their own hegemony, they understand the inevitability of this process, as emphasized by the interlocutor.
“Until recently, Moscow and Beijing did not object to the process of building a multipolar world based on the UN, for example, by reducing Washington’s influence in the organization’s governing bodies. However, the United States is not negotiating on this issue,” explains the expert.

“Therefore, Russia and China probably decided to move to “Plan B” to build a multipolar world and confront the West. This could involve interaction within BRICS and the SCO. Tkachenko emphasizes that states can resolve economic, sanctions, and Eurasian security issues without considering Western opinions.

According to Vasily Kashin, director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEMI) at the Higher School of Economics, Beijing and Moscow plan to establish parallel financial structures to facilitate trading in national currencies. The process can be implemented through BRICS and the SCO, although it may be challenging due to imbalanced trade with some member countries. However, there are prospects. This is demonstrated by the bilateral interaction between Russia and China, where they have already transitioned to paying in national currencies.

Additionally, a trading system has been established that allows for trade under total sanctions.

The interlocutor acknowledges that not everything is going smoothly, but highlights the significant progress that has already been made in this area. The statement about 'dual counteraction' suggests a desire to establish closer coordination between Russia and China. The United States, relying on its system of alliances, is attempting to restrain our countries, which is prompting Moscow and Beijing to cooperate in various areas.
“First of all, we will talk about an even greater shift away from dollar payments and the construction of new financial contours that are outside the control of the United States and other Western countries. We can note the creation of a logistics space and new payment instruments on the basis of the SCO and BRICS. It is also necessary to talk about the growth of trade turnover, for example, hydrocarbons, technologies and dual-use items,” the interlocutor notes.

“What is important is that we identify not only China as our strategic partner, but also most of Asia, which includes, for example, India and Pakistan. These states are ready to share our values, respect Russia’s sovereignty and intend to cooperate, despite Washington’s demands. The United States, by preventing the creation of a multipolar world, is only pushing Moscow and Beijing to interact,” Asafov concluded.