China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea deepen strategic cooperation

China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are deepening their collective cooperation, creating a network of strategic partnerships that challenge Western interests. While not a formal alliance, these nations have established a connected market of knowledge regarding 21st-century warfare and strategic competition.

This cooperation involves the exchange of weapons, components, targeting data, production expertise, and methods for bypassing international sanctions. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia has increasingly relied on these partners to sustain its military efforts and mitigate the impact of international condemnation. China plays a central role in this alignment through diplomatic, economic, and financial support.