Part 9/18:
This realignment is fundamentally ideological. Russia and China, both representing substantial civilizational identities—Orthodox Christian and Confucian, respectively—are collaborating to shape a new world order that emphasizes sovereignty, tradition, and strategic autonomy. Through this partnership, they are actively resisting Western attempts at global enforcement, including sanctions, financial blockades, and cultural homogenization.
Their cooperation extends to alternative financial systems: Russia has long moved away from SWIFT, relying instead on China’s CIPS; and its citizens and trade are increasingly supported by China’s UnionPay and the Mir card system—signs of growing economic sovereignty and resilience.