Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Venezuela
    • China
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • Syria
  • Analysis
    • Research
    • Q&A
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Russia / Xi and Putin, suddenly friendly
Russia, Alliances, China, Diplomacy

April 1, 2025

Xi and Putin, suddenly friendly

China and Russia have rarely been friendly—until now. Xi and Putin have been open about their bromance, exchanging gifts, sharing lavish dinners, even celebrating a birthday together. Are the two dictators, Xi and Putin, aiming to forge a new arrangement in the world that diminishes the traditional role of the United States? Our guest, Lyle Goldstein, former professor at US Naval War College, and now teaching at Brown University, is an expert on China and Russia. He talks about the new order under President Trump, and how Russia and China, aligned with each other, approach the U.S. in different ways.

Featuring

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

More on Eurasia

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Ukraine

America’s magical thinking on Ukraine and North Korea

Featuring Daniel Davis

November 3, 2025

In the mediaNuclear weapons, China, Russia

Will Trump actually test nuclear weapons? Experts are ‘disturbed’ and urge clarification

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

October 30, 2025

In the mediaNuclear weapons, China, Russia

Trump orders Pentagon to ‘immediately’ begin nuclear weapons testing, analysts warn of arms race

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

October 30, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia

Europe’s persistence in supporting Ukraine is bearing fruit

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

October 24, 2025

op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

New oil sanctions will not stop Russia’s war machine

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 23, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Russia’s oil giants get sanctioned by the US. Will it hurt the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine? (For now, no)

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

October 23, 2025

Events on Russia

See All Events
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Air power, Diplomacy, Drones, Europe and Eurasia, Land power, Military analysis, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine’s critical choice: Pursue peace or fight on

April 16, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Trump and Ukraine: Prolonging or ending the war

December 13, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Research
  • Experts
  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved