Global disruption brewing.
The Horrific Hamas Massacre and the Emerging China-Russia-Iran Axis
The recent massacre carried out by Hamas on October 7th has shed light on the growing alliance between China, Russia, and Iran. New House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed his understanding of the situation, emphasizing the need for the United States to fully support Israel and prevent Vladimir Putin from prevailing in Ukraine. Johnson believes that allowing Putin to succeed would not only have consequences for Ukraine but could also embolden China to make a move on Taiwan.
The Alarming Alignment
During President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel to show solidarity and influence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin met in Moscow. These authoritarian leaders opposed Israel’s plans to destroy Hamas and instead called for an immediate ceasefire. Their grinning responses to state media suggested that they were relishing in the chaos and danger posed to the U.S. and its allies.
Iran has been actively supporting its proxies in launching missile attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria on an almost daily basis for the past two weeks.
Russia’s Cooperation with Iran
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited an Iranian weapons exhibition in Tehran in September. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the country has increased its military cooperation with Iran, including advancements in its space-launch vehicle program. These developments could potentially aid Iran in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully launched a satellite into orbit last month, marking the third time since 2020. Iran has also supplied Russia with weapons for its war against Ukraine.
Russia has been courting Iran proxies and publicly criticizing Israel for “disregarding Palestinian lives.” While Israel has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and provided assistance to Ukrainian refugees, its cooperation with Russia in Syria has limited its involvement in supporting Ukraine further. However, it would be a mistake to view the relationship between Israel and Russia as positive.
The Disturbing Connections
Hamas militants have visited Russia and held meetings with senior Russian officials. In October, Hamas terrorists and members of the Iranian regime met with Russian leaders in Moscow. Although Russia’s intention was to display its diplomatic influence, its willingness to meet with Hamas and treat it as a legitimate political entity exposed the absurdity of the situation.
While the U.S. deals with Iranian proxy missile attacks and Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza, Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine continues. Ukraine has successfully destroyed Russian helicopters and a key runway using U.S.-made weapons, highlighting the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian forces.
The Troubling Collaboration
On October 8th, a gas pipeline and telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Estonia under the Baltic Sea were deliberately damaged. Finnish investigators suspect the involvement of a Chinese ship in the incident. China has been providing diplomatic support to Iran and has increased its aggressive behavior towards American and allied unmanned aircraft systems and ships in international waters. China’s actions, including the recent collision with a Philippine ship in the South China Sea, have prompted President Biden to reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to defending the Philippines.
China and Russia have also expanded their joint military exercises in the Pacific, with multiple vessels operating near the Aleutian Islands. North Korea has also played a role in this toxic collaboration, acting as an arms dealer to Hamas, Iran, and Russia. South Korea’s military suspects that North Korea supplied Hamas with weapons used in their assault against Israeli communities.
The Threat to Global Order
These four nations – China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – are working together to disrupt the existing world order. Each of them has expansionist territorial ambitions, with Russia seeking to reestablish its influence, China aiming to control international waters and annex Taiwan, Iran targeting Israel, and North Korea desiring territory south of the 38th parallel. While these nations differ in many ways, they share the goal of undermining the world order established under American leadership.
China’s support for the other three nations contradicts its claim to be a beneficial force on the world stage. Despite their aggressive actions, Beijing sees more to gain from collaborating with these nations to erode the existing order built around American preeminence.
The Need for Strong Leadership
It is crucial for the U.S. to recognize the patterns of cooperation among these nations and the threats they pose. Ignoring the China-Russia-North Korea alignment and the support provided by Iran-backed Hamas is a mistake that undermines effective leadership. The U.S. needs a president who can clearly see the situation and make the necessary investments to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. Until then, Congress must take the lead in addressing these challenges and countering the neo-isolationist fringe.
Japan and South Korea understand the connection between Ukraine’s success against Russia and China’s potential actions against Taiwan. It is essential for the U.S. to grasp the gravity of the situation and act accordingly to protect the American Pax.
As the world faces an authoritarian axis, it is crucial to acknowledge the collaboration between these nations and the threat they pose to global stability. The U.S. must not underestimate the China-Russia-Iran-North Korea alliance and the need to address it effectively.
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and the director of its Keystone Defense Initiative.
How can the United States strengthen its alliances and partnerships with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia to counter the growing influence of China, Russia, and Iran in the region
Ng together to challenge the global order and undermine the stability of the international community. Their alignment poses a significant threat not only to the region but also to the United States and its allies.
China, under President Xi Jinping, has been aggressively asserting its influence in the world, both economically and militarily. Its support for Iran and its proxies, as well as its aggressive actions in the South China Sea, demonstrate its disregard for international norms and its willingness to challenge the established order.
Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin, has been engaged in a brutal war against Ukraine, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of many more. Its cooperation with Iran and support for Hamas further destabilize the region and pose a direct threat to American interests.
Iran, under the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been actively supporting its proxies in the region, launching frequent missile attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Its collaboration with Russia and China strengthens its hand and allows it to further challenge American influence in the Middle East.
North Korea, often seen as a rogue state, has acted as an arms dealer to these three nations, providing them with weaponry and technology. Its involvement in this toxic collaboration exacerbates the already dangerous situation and raises concerns about the potential for further conflict.
The emerging China-Russia-Iran axis poses a direct threat to the United States and its allies. It undermines the stability of the international order and challenges the values of democracy and freedom that the U.S. and its allies hold dear.
To counter this threat, it is imperative for the United States and its allies to stand united and uphold the principles that underpin the global order. The U.S. must fully support Israel in its efforts to combat Hamas and prevent further destabilization in the region. It must also continue to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression and work with its allies to prevent further encroachment by China in the South China Sea.
Additionally, the United States should work to strengthen its alliances and partnerships in the region, engaging with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia to promote stability and counter the growing influence of China, Russia, and Iran.
In conclusion, the increasing alignment between China, Russia, and Iran and their collaboration with North Korea pose a direct threat to the global order and the stability of the international community. It is imperative for the United States and its allies to recognize this threat and take decisive action to counter it. Failure to do so would risk the erosion of the international order and the values that the United States and its allies hold dear.
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