Russia is getting used to its newly formalized vassal status under China's command.
Years ago, Russia was pointing China at America at sea. Now Russia is a Chinese naval auxiliary in the western Pacific:
The Chinese defense ministry said in a brief statement forces from both sides recently patrolled the western and northern Pacific Ocean and that the operation had nothing to do with international and regional situations and didn’t target any third party.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said Saturday it was monitoring “waves of test-firing” by China’s missile unit in a region more than 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from the self-ruled island and that its air force stepped up its alertness.
That's what happens when the facade of Russian military power is exposed as hollow. Russia's economy is reliant on non-productive war spending, which means Putin will make Russia grovel again. China knows it has the upper hand and is willing to demonstrate it for all to see.
The friendship "without limits" between Russia and China is clearly one where there are few limits on what China can demand.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
NOTE: I'm adding updates on the Last Hamas War in this post.NOTE: I'm now on Substack, with The Dignified Rant: Evolved.