Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russian President Vladimir Putin on a state visit to Moscow and pledged to strengthen the two nations’ already-robust relations. Calling Putin his “dear friend,” Xi neither condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine nor even expressed concern over it. Instead, the two leaders signed economic and developmental planning documents, showing their intent to build an even closer relationship. Putin threw Xi a lavish dinner before Xi jetted home.

On the surface, this may seem odd, for China has been trying for decades to win over the international community, while Xi’s new ally is persona non grata in the West following his invasion of and hideous war against Ukraine. Why would the dragon share this bear’s cave?