Not surprised at all. Russia, China and Iran are really united only in their anti-Americanism, in a classic case of safety in numbers. If not for America’s military supremacy, they would be racketing up tensions and fighting amongst themselves.
How like a socialist: Signed pieces of paper to cement a true, genuine, heartfelt relationship.
Just like the USA had to sign with Canada to reciprocate our friendsh--what? We didn't? How can we be f-f-friends without a signed TREATY?
Because there's fake friendship and real friendship.
Don't forget that Russia and Germany signed treaties, too, and violated the heck out of 'em in WW2. If you have to sign a treaty with a country...it's probably not worth the paper it's written on.
By the way...for those of you following this flim-flam relationship between Russia and China: Watch what Putin says. I Googled some of his speeches. You know what? It was just what I suspected: They're AFRAID. Afraid of China's rise.
Google his speeches, anything with Putin present in China, addressing any Chinese audience, delegation, whatever, it's always the same.
Each sentence contains a reminder to the Chinese of why they're SUCH GOOD FRIENDS. Best buddies.
The Russians also have another trait: As tough as they are, as tough as they proclaim to be, they're scaredy-cats. They really are. They were afraid of the Germans. Now, they're afraid of the Chinese.
But they're not afraid of the USA. That's because, in their hearts, they know we're not warlike.
It's not unlike someone abusing their spouse, their family, or their friend, but being obsequious to a bully. There is a fundamental understanding that the USA will not hurt Russia, so they feel free to fly bombers around Guam and up to the California coast and bracket Hawaii with their ICBM test, etc., etc.
Vote for me as President, and I'll get us into a two-front war by the end of the week, and we'll be winnin' both!