Some Relevant Headlines...

... recent XX Congress of CPC was certainly IT in policy terms. 

China has pledged to support Russia as it regains its global power status, foreign minister Wang Yi reportedly told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during a phone conversation on Thursday, in which the two officials vowed to back each other in their geopolitical endeavors. Beijing will “firmly support the Russian side,” assisting President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to “unite and lead the Russian people to overcome difficulties and eliminate disturbances,” as well as realize the “strategic development goals” to bolster Russia’s status as a major power on the international stage, according to the readout posted by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It is the legitimate right of China and Russia to realize their own development and revitalization, which fully conforms to the development trend of the times,” said Beijing’s press release. “Any attempt to block the progress of China and Russia will never succeed.” 

That, my friends, how alliance of two superpowers sounds. Do not forget what was the topic of the whole Valdai Conference and of Putin's speech at it. Right "The World After Hegemony" (in Russian). When even Tony figured it out. 

Better late than never, as they say. In related news, three prototypes of PD-8 engine which will be certified in 2023 and will substitute French-Russian engines at SSJ-100 have been tested (in Russian). While coming communications satellite Express-AMU4 is fully 100% Russian-made with previously used components by Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space removed. Make your own conclusions how it was all achieved. 

 

P.S. A-ha. 

House Republicans have accused U.S. President Joe Biden of misusing the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to counter OPEC+’s move to cut its oil production and to lower gasoline prices ahead of the midterm elections. In a letter sent by Republicans sitting on the House Oversight Committee, House Republicans sent a letter this week to U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm demanding that the Administration explain its March decision to release 180 million barrels of crude oil from the nation’s emergency reserves, according to the Daily Mail, who obtained a copy of the letter.The letter also detailed further concerns that the Administration could ban exports of oil and gas. 

Midterms are coming, you know.