Russian President Vladimir Putin’s four-day go to to China marks a strong present of unity with Chinese chief Xi Jinping – and is his longest overseas journey since the invasion of Ukraine. From summits to navy parades, the two have underscored their private rapport and shared ambition to reshape a world order they see as dominated by the West. NCS’s Simone McCarthy explores how Beijing and Moscow’s steadfast strategic alignment, regardless of current diplomatic overtures between Moscow and Washington.