China recently declared its intentions to deepen multilateral health cooperation with Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China has revamped its ‘Health Silk Road’ as an instrument for Beijing to tout itself as a responsible global leader.

Fighting recently erupted between Armenia and Azerbaijan, centered around the historically disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is de jure part of Azerbaijan, but is administered by the majority Armenian population, leading to lingering ethnic conflict.

In the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, the Trump administration is increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran’s regime. A September Executive Order sanctioning arms sales to Iran, will not deter Chinese or Russian sales to Iran.