The Taliban chases Chinese cash, U.S. energy sanctions on Russia trickle down, China in the Arctic crosshairs, and much more.

During the Cold War, there was a time when China would have been paranoid about Russia and North Korea conspiring behind its back. Those worries, however, are now relics of a bygone era characterized by a radically different balance of power among this authoritarian triangle.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his position on the resolution of the war in Ukraine. It boils down to supporting peace by facilitating negotiations, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ukraine recently received a new Chinese ambassador, Ma Shengkun, and a new Ukrainian ambassador, Olexander Nechytaylo, has been appointed to China, although he has yet to receive agreement. Perhaps this development could bring some new dynamics to the Sino-Ukrainian relations.

It will be harder for China to balance the needs of its faltering economy with its international relations priorities. But there may be opportunities with Trump the dealmaker.

Sen. Marco Rubio, the likely next secretary of State, said Wednesday that Ukraine must have leverage to deter future Russian invasions.

Senator Marco Rubio warned of China’s growing threat, and he backed NATO but said Europe needed to do more to help protect itself. His friendly, five-hour confirmation hearing seemed to all but guarantee he would be the next secretary of state.

All three countries are adversaries of the United States, and Russia has used its ties with them to help blunt the impact of Western sanctions and boost its war effort in Ukraine. Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Feb.

The Treasury Department has announced sanctions in connection with a massive Chinese hack of American telecommunications companies and a breach of its own computer network.

China and Britain have restarted economic and financial talks after a six-year hiatus during a visit by Britain’s Treasury chief to Beijing

“Over the course of next year, Putin will likely face mounting domestic problems. Russia’s central bank has forecast economic growth of 0.5 to 1.5 per cent in 2025, down from 3.5 to 4 per cent in 2024, suggesting that the wartime boom may have run its course.”

President-elect Donald J. Trump has made big promises on Ukraine, Iran, China and crises around the globe. But he will have to make difficult choices.