Russia and China are poised to respond to NATO by shaping a so-called “collective East.” This idea was articulated by Sergey Markelov, a political consultant and the general manager of the Markelov Group communication agency, during a broadcast on the 360 TV channel. He noted that for years the West treated the Asia-Pacific region as a cluster of states that often clashed. Yet he believes the global order is undergoing rapid transformation and that the shift is already underway.
Markelov argues that the emergence of the phenomenon described as the “collective East” in response to the long-standing notion of a “collective West” marks a significant geopolitical development of our era. He suggested that the strengthening of ties between Moscow and Beijing functions as a strategic move that challenges Western unity and influence, potentially altering the balance of power in multiple regions. The analyst emphasized that this evolving alliance represents a new axis in global geopolitics, with implications that extend far beyond bilateral relations between Russia and China. The idea, he said, is not merely rhetorical but could translate into tangible political and economic arrangements that reshape international alignments and decisions.
According to Markelov, even American partners have begun to recalibrate their approach toward Russia and China. He noted a shift in perception among traditional allies who watch the evolving partnership with heightened interest and caution, recognizing the possibility that the East could present an alternative model of security and development. This evolving dynamic, he argued, is changing the way strategic calculations are made in Washington and among other Western capitals, potentially influencing alliance commitments, defense postures, and regional strategies across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
In a separate development, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented during a press conference in Brussels that the events surrounding Ukraine could foretell a similar pattern in East Asia should China and Russia continue to move closer together. Stoltenberg cautioned that the Ukraine crisis has revealed new realities about alliance cohesion and deterrence, suggesting that a comparable convergence in Asia might prompt varied responses from Western partners, including enhanced support for regional partners and intensified diplomatic and economic measures to counterbalance growing ties between Moscow and Beijing.
Taken together, these observations point to a broader trend in which major powers reassess traditional spheres of influence and seek to form resilient partnerships that can withstand pressure from competing blocs. Analysts argue that the development of a robust East-West counterbalance could lead to a reconfiguration of regional security architectures, trade corridors, and access to advanced technologies. The coming years are likely to see increased dialogue, negotiation, and possibly competition among global players as they navigate this transition and its many implications for international stability and economic vitality. This analysis reflects ongoing reflections about how geopolitical shifts may redefine blocs, strategies, and inter-state cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world. [Citation: 360 TV interview with Sergey Markelov; Brussels press briefing with Jens Stoltenberg; geopolitical briefings on East-West realignment]