The President's Daily Brief December 29th, 2025: How China Is Exploiting Russia & U.S. Strikes ISIS
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Dec 29, 2025 China is exploiting Russia's dependence as the Ukraine conflict drags on, gaining leverage through energy and trade. Meanwhile, the U.S. targets ISIS in Nigeria with Christmas Day airstrikes to protect Christians. Tensions rise as Israel eliminates an Iranian operative involved in regional attacks, while also making headlines by recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, triggering backlash from neighboring countries. Global power dynamics continue to shift amidst these critical events.
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China Turns Russian Survival Into Dependence
- China leverages Russian weakness post-2022 invasion to gain cheaper energy and long-term influence.
- Beijing's purchases and projects lock Russia into dependency while China sets terms and benefits most.
Energy Deals Shift Pricing Power Eastward
- China buys discounted Russian oil and gas, resetting pricing power in its favor.
- The Power of Siberia and slow-walked expansions bind Russian infrastructure eastward and reduce Moscow's leverage.
Trade Imbalance Deepens Russian Reliance
- Sino-Russian trade surged but is lopsided: Russia exports raw materials while importing finished Chinese goods.
- Shifting settlements to the yuan deepens Russia's financial dependence within China's ecosystem.