Why are Russia and China closer than ever—and what could eventually pull them apart? In this episode of Navigating Noise, I sat down with Sasha Gabuev, Director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, to unpack one of the most consequential relationships in global geopolitics. Gabuev, a leading expert on China-Russian relations, has spent decades analyzing the strategic, economic, and cultural forces shaping this partnership. From his time as a journalist covering Kremlin diplomacy to his current role at Carnegie, Gabuev offers a rare perspective on why this relationship works—and where it’s likely to crack. If you’re looking to understand the real drivers of the Russia-China relationship, this conversation is essential. Here are my key takeaways, but don’t miss the full episode above for the full depth of insight.