China’s support for Russia fuels its war in Ukraine, while their growing alignment challenges U.S. leadership and the rules-based international order. Despite mistrust and differing interests, the U.S. must counter their partnership by addressing shared goals, limiting Beijing’s support for Moscow, and competing effectively in the Global South.

As Russia begins its one-year presidency of the BRICS this month, great power competition in the Global South, or what Russia now calls the “World Majority,” will intensify.