China and Russia are actually key members of the international community, especially given their roles in major international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the G20. They both hold veto power as permanent members of the UN Security Council, actively participate in multilateral diplomacy, and influence global decision-making.
However, people often claim that China and Russia aren't aligned with the "international community" because they frequently challenge or oppose certain norms, practices, or policies widely supported by Western countries, such as those related to human rights, freedom of the press, or sovereignty. Both countries have been known to pursue foreign policies that diverge sharply from those of Western nations, often asserting that their actions are in defense of their sovereignty or in opposition to Western interventionism.
For example:
- China: China's actions in the South China Sea, its stance on Taiwan, and its approach to human rights issues, especially concerning Xinjiang and Hong Kong, have led to criticisms and sanctions from Western countries. However, China argues that these are internal matters and asserts its right to self-governance without external interference.
- Russia: Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, particularly the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, has been widely condemned. Russia sees this as defending its sphere of influence and protecting ethnic Russians, while Western nations view it as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty
