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A new report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission says China is pursuing efforts to build an “alternative world order” centered around itself, while deepening cooperation with Russia, Iran and North Korea in ways that challenge U.S. interests.
The commission’s November 2025 annual report highlights expanding strategic, military and economic ties among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea, noting that their collaboration has strengthened their collective ability to counter the interests of the U.S. and its allies.
The report cites closer coordination among the four countries as a regional and global challenge, warning that their partnership has intensified further amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
It states that China, Iran and North Korea have provided Russia with political, economic and military support, helping Moscow withstand U.S. pressure, sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
According to the commission, China continues efforts to build an international system with Beijing at its center.
The report points to the military parade held in Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared with leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran and more than 20 mostly authoritarian states, calling it a clear indication of China’s ambition.
The report notes that China prefers “flexible partnerships” over formal alliances, viewing this as evidence of an opportunistic diplomatic strategy.
The deepening coordination among Beijing, Moscow, Tehran and Pyongyang poses serious challenges to security in the Indo-Pacific, the report says, warning that such cooperation raises the risk of “opportunistic aggression.”
The commission concludes that the evolving alignment among these countries demands close attention from Washington and its global partners.
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