The USA and Chinese relationships are a classic illustration of the metaphor, “Bad marriage”. Analysts, commentators and historians have used this terminology to highlight their connection dynamic, signifying deep interdependence, mutual resentment and repeated attempts at reconciliation. Divorce is an option, but the resultant severe consequences, not only for them but for the entire planet, make it a no-no option.

Russian and Chinese relationships are a classic illustration of the metaphor, “Marriage of convenience.” Analysts, commentators and historians have used this terminology to highlight their pragmatic alliance driven by necessity, not affection. Fear of the USA and the Western world, a different way of life and the yearning for a multipolar world with its own spheres of influence keep their bond strong. But the Chinese idiom that “One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers” captures the essence of their latent rivalry, succinctly.

History seldom announces with a bang that it is changing direction. 1914, 1939, 1945 and some other years are remembered as those which led to cataclysmic changes in the international order, with lasting effects to date.

May 2026, in all likelihood, will be remembered similarly. Never before in the history of China has any President hosted both the American and Russian Presidents within a week of each other. The choreographed method adopted during these two visits has portrayed the stature of President Xi Jinping as the leading statesman of the world.

The sequence was extraordinary. China had hosted heads of governments of Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and a host of other Western nations before May 2026. But President Trump and President Putin represent the world’s two foremost nuclear powers, and are engaged in a........

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