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.
Iran’s New Oil Weapon
English Summary
Foreign Affairs’ analysis, dated May 8, 2026, posits that Iran has weaponized the Strait of Hormuz, creating a sustained economic threat comparable to the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Evidence suggests Iran’s sustained attacks utilizing mines, missiles, and drones have effectively blocked the waterway despite U.S. and Israeli military efforts. This situation is characterized by a durable leverage point for Tehran, stemming from its investment in asymmetric warfare capabilities and a global economy increasingly reliant on Gulf oil. Policy implications necessitate a shift from relying solely on military force and diplomatic pressure to building energy resilience, diversifying supply chains, and bolstering shipping routes to mitigate future disruptions and diminish Iran’s strategic advantage.
中文摘要
《外交事務》雜誌（2026年5月8日版）分析指出，伊朗已將霍爾木茲海峽武器化，構成了與1973年阿拉伯石油危機規模相近的持續經濟威脅。證據表明，伊朗持續利用水雷、飛彈和無人機發動襲擊，儘管美國和以色列的軍事努力，仍有效地封鎖了該水道。這種情況為德黑蘭提供了一個持久的影響力，源於其在非對稱戰爭能力方面的投資以及全球經濟對海灣石油日益依賴的狀況。政策上，需要從單純依賴軍事力量和外交壓力轉向建立能源韌性、多元化供應鏈，並加強航運路線，以減輕未來干擾並削弱伊朗的戰略優勢。
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