Finally, the longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the more unified Europe and the United States are likely to become, solidifying the very same alliances that China and Russia have been adamant to disrupt. The loss of Europe as a “wedge” between China and the United States would be a major strategic liability to Beijing
With North Korea resuming a testing campaign for long-range missiles and possibly nuclear weapons, it is critical for the Yoon and Biden administrations to get out in front of a brewing crisis with actions to strengthen the alliance and messaging of solidarity.
Rather than a mediator, Beijing is better understood as a bystander, reacting to events on the ground to maximize its national interest. If the tides turn further against Putin, Russia’s value as a strategic partner will diminish, and Beijing could begin to distance itself from Moscow.
Media and published views are only a proxy for what China’s leaders think. As Xi Jinping likes to recall, the press has a duty to educate the people along lines that the CCP sets.
Beijing was shocked by how poorly the Russian troops performed on the battlefield and was shocked by the very strong resistance from Ukraine and the very strong support from the rest of international community.

Public attribution is an important yet sensitive issue in cyberspace interaction between China and the United States. The gaps that exist between the two countries’ understanding of the issue have posed a growing negative impact on maintaining stable and healthy China-U.S. relations, both in this area and in broader terms.
This is the largest ICBM ever seen in North Korea and it is actually so large that it's the largest liquid propellant missile that's ever been launched from a transporter erector launcher
China appears to be trying to balance between strategic partnership on one hand and its claim that it adheres to important principles of non-interference, territorial integrity, and state sovereignty.
So, this is not the first time China has thrown a lifeline to Sri Lanka. This has been part of China's outreach to most countries in South Asia. It is a greater strategic foothold in the region

The world needs to work together urgently to reduce the risks of a nuclear catastrophe.