The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
Trump Discovers Multilateralism
English Summary
The Trump administration's proposed Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE) represents a rare shift toward multilateralism, aimed at securing critical mineral supply chains through a 'preferential trade zone' with enforceable price floors. This initiative reflects a recognition that the U.S. cannot solve its dependency on China alone, though its success depends on whether the administration can treat partners as equals rather than targets for leverage. While significant, FORGE likely remains a pragmatic exception driven by economic necessity rather than a fundamental abandonment of 'America First' unilateralism.
中文摘要
川普政府提議成立的「資源地緣戰略參與論壇」（FORGE）體現了向多邊主義的罕見轉型，旨在透過建立具備強制性最低價格保障的「優惠貿易區」，確保關鍵礦產供應鏈的安全。此倡議反映出美方體認到無法單方面解決對華依賴問題，然而其成敗將取決於美國政府是否能將盟友視為平等夥伴，而非僅作為施壓工具。儘管 FORGE 具有重要意義，但其更像是出於經濟考量的務實例外，而非對「美國優先」單邊主義政策的根本性背離。
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