Russia needed little pushing to embrace China. Russia in its millenial history has been from its beginning, and remains, an oriental despotism. It has never joined the congress of Western nations, nor has it ever worked to ensure the success of international democratic institutions. In sum, Putin is an oriental, and thinks like an oriental. His holding hands with the Chinese should surprise no one.
Just 50 years ago, when they were supposedly "communist brothers" Russia/The Soviets fought a border with with China. Chinese officials later admitted they were prepared for a nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Yes, good oriental friends!
Russia gave up Communism. China has not. Russia, whether cynical or not, is embracing Christianity. China certainly won't. Since Peter the Great, it has always looked towards Europe and the West. China never has and never will.
The DC neocons psychotic obsession with neutering and controlling Russia, a country with 14% the population of USA+EU, and economy 6% of USA+EU, is sheer insanity. They have most definitely pushed resource-rich Russia into the arms of a resource-hungry China. Its total idiocy.