China joins forces with Russia in opposing Nato expansion: Why has Beijing got involved?

Within the joint statement, Russia supported Beijing’s One China policy, which asserted China will one day rule again over Taiwan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping could view Russian support as a way of strengthening his country’s own stance on the international stage.

In addition, the two countries said they were “seriously concerned” over the Aukus alliance which was announced last year.

The pact between the UK, US and Australia will see the latter build nuclear-powered submarines as part of efforts to boost security in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, China sees the alliance as a way of countering its own interests in the South China Sea.