Putin’s friends are helping Russia upend the US-led world order

China has been a critical diplomatic and economic support for Russia. Moscow has been importing electronics, industrial equipment, and cars from China, while exporting oil and gas, even at discounted rates compared to European sales. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record $240 billion. More importantly, Russia values having a powerful ally that shares its goal of challenging the US-led international order and limiting Washington's influence in their respective spheres.