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Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below.***ChinaOn May 12, the United States and China agreed to simultaneously suspend or remove tariffs imposed since April 2 for an initial period of 90 days. The agreement was negotiated between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. It represents a major de-escalation of trade tension between the world’s two largest economies, at least for now — although the future path to rebalancing bilateral trade relations remains challenging.From May 7 to 10, Chinese leader Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Russia and attended the Victory Day military parade in Moscow. He issued joint statements with Russian President Vladimir Putin on global strategic stability and on deepening bilateral strategic coordination between China and Russia. A key purpose of the visit was to counter concerns about a “reverse Nixon” — a strategy in which Washington might try to drive a wedge between Moscow and Beijing by improving U.S.-Russian relations.The recent crisis between India and Pakistan had benefits for China and Chinese weapon systems. The Pakistani military reportedly used Chinese J-10 fighter jets, PL-15 missiles, and drones to shoot down a number of Indian fighter jets and drones. The apparent success of Chinese weapons systems boosted expressions of nationalism in China.Chinese leader Xi Jinping in his most recent state visit to Russia. Image: The Kremlin via Wikimedia CommonsRussiaOn the ground, the front between Russian and Ukrainian forces remains largely static. Efforts to broker a peace deal have continued, with the United States and Europe finalizing a 30-day ceasefire proposal. On May 10, the leaders of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Poland visited Kyiv and issued a joint statement backing Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire.