Russia and China are being driven together as the chasm with the West deepens
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as leaders gather for a family photo during the Belt and Road Forum on Yanqi Lake, outside Beijing, China, May 15, 2017.
Damir Sagolj | Reuters
China and Russia are taking center stage this week as both countries look to deepen ties just as a chasm with the West, on a geopolitical and economic as well as military front, appears to be getting deeper, according to analysts.
A three-day state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow this week, which began Monday, was hailed by China and Russia’s presidents as the result of solid and cooperative relations between the two leaders and their respective nations, and comes after a determined drive over the last decade to strengthen diplomatic, defense and trade ties.
Ahead of the visit, President Vladimir Putin said in an article that “unlike some countries claiming hegemony and bringing discord to the global harmony, Russia and China are literally and figuratively building bridges” while his Chinese counterpart returned the favor, telling AFP he is “confident the visit will be fruitful and give new momentum to the healthy and stable development of Chinese-Russian relations.”
Xi’s visit to Moscow is something of a political coup for Russia given that it comes at a time when Russia has few high-powered friends left on the international stage, and little to show for its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian forces have made little tangible progress despite a year of fighting, and a largely isolated Moscow continues to labor under the weight of international sanctions. To add insult to injury, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin on Friday, alleging that he is responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine during the war.
Nonetheless, China and Russia have long shared similar geopolitical aims, such as a desire to see what they call a “multi-polar world” and the curbing of NATO’s military might, that unite them. And perhaps the most significant shared viewpoint of all is their mutual, long-standing distrust of the West.
A confluence of recent events — from the war in Ukraine to Western restrictions on semiconductor tech exports to China and, lately, a nuclear submarines deal between the U.S., U.K. and Australia that irked Beijing — has only served to bring the countries even closer together, according to analysts.
“If you look at the trajectory of China-Russia relations within the last decade, bilateral ties between the two countries have really developed tremendously,” Alicja Bachulska, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) told CNBC, saying that the process of developing ties had begun back in the 1990s.
“It’s basically about certain strategic interests, that are very close to both Beijing and Moscow at this point,” she added. “For both Russia and China, the main interest is to weaken the U.S.-led international order, that’s their primary goal, long term and short term.”
The Ukraine factor
For both China and Russia, the war in Ukraine is both a challenge to that U.S.-led world order and a way to undermine it, analysts note.
China has held back from openly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine but it has also refused to condemn the invasion. Instead, it has echoed Moscow in criticizing the U.S. and NATO for what it sees as “fueling the fire” over Ukraine. It has also sought to carve out a niche for itself as peacemaker, calling on both sides to agree a cease-fire and come to the negotiating table for talks.
Behind the scenes, the West is concerned that Beijing could provide lethal weaponry to Russia to enable it to gain the upper hand in Ukraine, as U.S. intelligence suggested last month. Ukraine’s Western allies have signaled that any move to do so would be a red line and that, should Beijing cross it, there would be “consequences” in the form of sanctions placed on China.
Beijing has vehemently denied it is planning on supplying Russia with any military hardware. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Monday, reiterating previous comments, that the West was supplying weapons to Ukraine, not China, telling reporters that “the U.S. side should stop fueling the fires and fanning the flames … and play a constructive role for a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine, not the other way around.”
China’s President Xi Jinping waves as he disembarks off his aircraft upon arrival at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on March 20, 2023.
Anatoliy Zhdanov | Afp | Getty Images
China has denied it is planning to help Moscow militarily but analysts say Beijing is concerned over the war in Ukraine, noting that China views a Russian failure in Ukraine as a threat, given that it carries the risk of a potentially seismic political fallout back in Russia that in turn could harm Beijing.
“The worst case scenario for Beijing now is Russia’s complete failure in this war,” the ECFR’s Bachulska said.
“If they begin to think that Russia might fail — and that in the really worst-case nightmare scenario that there [could be then] a pro-democratic government in Moscow — for China, this would be a very threatening scenario,” she noted, seen as both a “direct threat to Beijing, and the stability of the CCP [Chinese Communist Party].”
This fear, she said, could sway China when it considers whether to offer Putin help in Ukraine. “They will probably be able to provide more support if they realize that the balance of power on the battlefield is against Russia,” Bachulska noted.
It’s highly likely that, should China help Russia in terms of weaponry or military technology, however, it will look to do it in a very covert way, analysts including Bachulska and those at the Institute for the Study of War have noted, such as using Belarus or other countries.
“Xi likely plans to discuss sanctions evasion schemes with Putin and Russian officials to support the sale and provision of Chinese equipment to Russia,” the ISW said in analysis ahead of the Xi-Putin summit, noting that it had previously assessed that during a recent meeting between the presidents of Belarus and China, agreements may have been signed that “facilitate Russian sanctions evasion by channeling Chinese products through Belarus.”
The ISW said Xi and Putin are “likely to discuss sanctions evasion schemes and Chinese interest in mediating a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine.” CNBC contacted China’s Foreign Ministry for a response to the comments and is yet to receive a response.
Tech and trade wars
While possible military aid for China is something the West needs to watch closely, the depth and breadth of China’s loyalty toward Moscow is seen to be finite, with Beijing likely reluctant to risk major sanctions on its own economy just to help Russia.
On the other hand, analysts note that China, like Russia, has a vested interested in seeing the U.S. and wider West weakened, both geopolitically and diplomatically — for instance, if China can step in as a mediator in the conflict in Ukraine — and on an economic level, if the two nations can forge closer trade ties. This would come as the U.S. and Europe challenge China’s economic power, most recently with the introduction of sweeping export control rules aimed at restricting China’s ability to access advanced computing chips.
“Export controls on Chinese high tech — which reflect a policy of targeted containment — brings Xi closer to Putin in worldview and orientation,” Ian Bremmer, founder and president of the Eurasia Group, told CNBC, adding: “I think that’s likely to be reflected in Xi’s statements when he … visits Putin in Moscow, and that’s going to be a big deal geopolitically,” Bremmer noted.
While Russia might offer China a convenient trading and diplomatic partnership as other routes to Western markets look increasingly vulnerable, analysts note that the relationship between China and Russia is an imbalanced one.
“China doesn’t really need Russia,” Christopher Granville, managing director of global political research at TS Lombard, told CNBC. “Russia is a very tiny economy compared to China’s with the exception of some very specific things, such as its hydrocarbon exports and some aspects of its military industries,” he noted.
“What I would say though is that the U.S. pressing on China, especially in these trade wars and now tech wars, is a clear zero-sum project by the U.S. government to prevent China from reaching the frontier of key technologies, notably semiconductors,” he noted.
“It seems to me that as a result of the U.S. government’s zero-sum campaign to pull back China, to stop it getting ahead and keep it behind, is that suddenly the relationship with Russia becomes more valuable to China.”
Heybike has just announced the launch of its new X-Series, with the Mars 3.0 and Ranger S 3.0 Pro comprising the first two big new models. Or maybe not so “big”, as they’re actually kinda compact-sized, at least for full-suspension e-bikes. They’re both 20″ wheel folding e-bikes, and they pack in a lot of performance into comfortable rides. I’ve been testing both, and today we’re jumping in with both feet to check out how well the Mars 3.0 rides.
First of all, as usual, it’s fun to start with a video review. So check out my riding experience below, then keep reading for the nitty gritty details.
Heybike Mars 3.0 Video Review
Heybike Mars 3.0 Tech specs
- Motor: 750W continuous (1,400W peak) rear geared hub motor
- Top speed: 45 km/h (28 mph), though it can technically be unlocked to go around 48 km/h or 30 mph
- Range: Claimed up to 104 km (65 mi)
- Battery: 48V 13Ah (624 Wh) battery in down tube
- Brakes: Hydraulic two-piston disc brakes on 180×2.0 mm rotors
- Transmission: 8-speed Shimano Altus
- Extras: Color LCD display, LED head & tail lights with turn signals, full-suspension, 4″ fat tires, smartphone app connectivity, passcode and NFC chip theft protection, and included fenders & rear rack
- Price: $1,299 (on sale at launch for $1,199)
More is more
Heybike has been on a roll lately with its growing lineup of electric bikes, and the new Mars 3.0 looks like it might just be the brand’s most exciting release yet. While it hasn’t yet been available to the public, I got a chance to check it out ahead of time, and based on everything we’ve seen and experienced so far, this full-suspension fat tire folder is a serious upgrade over the previous Mars. In fact, it gives nearly every other 20″ folding e-bike a serious run for its money.
The Mars 3.0, part of Heybike’s new X Series, is all about power, speed, and rider experience. It brings a beefed-up motor system, smoother folding, and suspension that actually works, plus a host of smart tech features that elevate it above your average budget folder. Here’s everything you need to know about Heybike’s newest electric mini-beast.
Powerhouse performance: the Galaxy Perform eDrive
Let’s start with what matters most to a lot of riders: power. The Mars 3.0 is built around Heybike’s proprietary “Galaxy Perform eDrive” system, and it delivers serious muscle. With a 750W nominal motor (peaking at 1,400W) and an eyebrow-raising 95Nm of torque, this thing jumps off the line harder than almost anything in its class.
Heybike claims a 0–20 mph time of just 6 seconds, and from what we’ve seen, that figure just about checks out. It’s quick, it’s punchy, and it’s powerful. That’s thanks to a nicely tuned torque sensor, which gives you more immediate and natural-feeling pedal assist than the old-school cadence systems we still see on far too many folders.
For anyone looking for more thrill, the speed limiter that comes programmed out of the box to 20 mph can be bumped to 28 mph through the Heybike App or the display. And for those who really want to live dangerously (or ride on private property), the display lets you push just a bit past 30 mph when fully unlocked. That turns the Mars 3.0 into a sort of moped-lite, ideal for riders who want motorcycle vibes without the licensing hassle, though it may push into actual moped laws in some states.
Real suspension, real comfort
It’s hard to overstate how rare it is to see real full suspension on a folding e-bike that doesn’t cost several thousand dollars. But the Mars 3.0 doesn’t just slap a spring on the back and call it a day, it uses a legitimate Horst link suspension setup in the rear and a hydraulic fork up front.
The result? A bike that actually absorbs bumps and trail chatter, instead of pogoing around or bottoming out. That makes a huge difference whether you’re tackling dirt trails or just dealing with broken city pavement.
Combine that suspension with the wide fat tires, and you’ve got a genuinely cushy ride, even at higher speeds. It’s not a downhill mountain bike, but for commuting, cruising, and exploring, it’s leagues ahead of other folders in this category.
Smart features that don’t feel gimmicky
Heybike’s recent bikes have been leaning more into tech, and in the Mars 3.0, those features actually add value.
The NFC card startup is one of those little touches that will make the bike feel more premium to some, though I find it to be a hassle. Maybe that’s because I’m usually parking somewhere safe and not worrying about e-bike theft as much, but the hassle of swiping the card or entering the PIN code is just an added step at startup for me.
That said, I’m sure a lot of people will like it, and so here is how it works. Tap the included NFC card to start, just like unlocking a Tesla. Don’t have your card handy? You can also unlock the bike via a PIN code or the Heybike app, which also gives you control over various ride settings like throttle mode, assist levels, and max speed.
The bright, full-color TFT display is easy to read and gives you all the basics: speed, battery, distance, assist level, and more, with a layout that actually feels well designed instead of thrown together.
And speaking of throttle: riders can choose whether they want it to follow the pedal assist level or always run at full power. It’s adjustable in the app and gives you more control over how you want to ride, something more e-bikes should offer. And you can even adjust how extreme you want the throttle or pedal assist ramping to feel. Want gentle starts? Set it at level 1. Want to fly off the line? Choose level 5. It’s a nice little customization feature that lets riders tune their ride instead of being stuck with whatever the company programmed.
Stops as well as it goes
Going fast is fun, but stopping fast is important too. Heybike didn’t skimp here either. The Mars 3.0 gets an upgraded hydraulic disc brake system with thick 2.0 mm rotors. Not only do they provide more bite and better heat management, but they also feel more confidence-inspiring when braking from 30+ mph.
That extra thickness means it can handle more heat and longer braking, which is important when stopping heavy bikes or descending hills, or both.
Braking is smooth, controlled, and powerful, which is crucial for a bike that accelerates this quickly and invites you to push its limits.
Drivetrain and gear shifting
The Mars 3.0 uses a Shimano Altus 8-speed setup, which isn’t top-tier, and frankly is closer to the bottom of the Shimano tier structure, but is fine for a bike at this price point. Shifting is fine and predictable, and the integration with the motor assist system is solid, gear changes are reflected in the pedal response in a way that feels natural and intuitive thanks to the torque sensor.
It’s the kind of drivetrain setup you’d normally expect on a bike like this. It’s not going to change your world, but it gets the job done.
Utility meets design
This thing is both fun and practical. The rear rack is upgraded and sturdier than the previous generation Mars e-bike, and the bike has a high weight capacity (up to 440 lbs total payload for the bike). Whether you’re hauling groceries, gear, or even a kid seat, the Mars 3.0 looks like it can handle it.
The new folding system is fast and easy, with better pivot points and a more ergonomic latch. Heybike says it takes 10 seconds to fold, and that’s not an exaggeration. It actually feels smooth and simple, which isn’t always the case with fat tire folders. Of course, the bike is heavy as hell at 70 lb (32 kg), and so sometimes the tricky part isn’t merely folding it, but manipulating it while folding it. As long as you’re relatively strong, it should be fine. Small women or others with less upper body strength may still have trouble. I can’t really imagine my wife folding this e-bike. She’s a strong woman, but there’s no amount of fortitude that can make up for the back muscles it takes to lift a 70 lb e-bike, even folded in half.
Final thoughts
The Mars 3.0 isn’t more than just a modest upgrade over the previous version. I’d call this a whole new beast. With real power, actual suspension, and smart features that make it more refined and useful, this is a folding e-bike that doesn’t ride like a compromise.
It’s not trying to be ultra-lightweight or minimalist. It’s a chunky, techy, high-speed, full-featured ride that’s more about fun and performance than portability. But hey, it still folds, which checks the box on portability… mostly.
For an incredibly reasonable $1,299 (or promotional price of $1,199) , the Mars 3.0 could end up being one of the best bang-for-your-buck full-suspension e-bikes of the year. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a powerful, full-suspension ride that doesn’t take up a ton of garage space, and who doesn’t mind the occasional speed-induced grin.
If you’re in the market for a go-anywhere, do-anything, rip-through-the-city-and-still-fold-it-up kind of e-bike that sports full suspension, the Heybike Mars 3.0 is absolutely one to watch.
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Elon Musk is getting his wish; Tesla Cybertrucks are going to be used by the US military, but perhaps not in the way he intended.
The U.S. Air Force is looking to purchase two Tesla Cybertrucks and use them for what amounts to target practice.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has touted the Cybertruck as being “bulletproof” and designed to “survive the apocalypse.” He suggested it could be used by the military and even directly pitched the electric pickup truck to the US military.
Considering that the Cybertruck has turned out to be a commercial flop and Tesla is currently experiencing issues selling it, despite reduced production, the automaker could benefit from a Cybertruck order from the US military.
It looks like it is about to get one.
According to new documents first obtained by ‘The War Zone‘, the U.S. Air Force Test Center (AFTC) is looking to acquire 33 target vehicles—including two Tesla Cybertrucks—for delivery to the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico,
The list of requested vehicles includes various sedans, pickups, SUVs, and bongo trucks, but there are no specific brand requirements for those, except for the Cybertrucks.
They plan to use these vehicles as targets for precision-guided weapons. Why would they need a specific vehicle such as the Cybertruck?
In the document, they had to explain the reason behind requesting a vehicle from a specific brand. They wrote:
[Redacted] intends to use specific Tesla manufactured vehicles for target vehicle training flight test events. In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cyber trucks as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact. Testing needs to mirror real world situations. The intent of the training is to prep the units for operations by simulating scenarios as closely as possible to the real world situations.
It sounds like the justification is that the US military believes that its enemies might start using the Tesla Cybertruck, and it wants to make sure its weapons work on it.
Here’s the document in question:
Electrek’s Take
That’s pretty funny. The US military is buying Tesla Cybertrucks to use as targets to shoot missiles at because they think enemies might start using them.
The jokes write themselves. You read that headline, and you would think that it’s Trump trying to get back to Musk by literally blowing up his dumpster of a truck.
However, the most astonishing aspect is that the US military is not wrong here.
As we previously reported, Chechen leader and self-proclaimed “Putin’s foot soldier” Ramzan Kadyrov managed to obtain a couple of Cybertrucks, which he outfitted with guns. Then he claimed that they went to war in Ukraine.
Now, less than a year later, the US military wants to ensure it is equipped to take down Cybertrucks.
Anyway, good for Tesla. It needs all the Cybertruck sales it can get, considering it is currently selling them at a rate of 20,000 per year when Musk aimed for 500,000 a year.
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The Genesis Electrified G80 will no longer be sold in the US. Genesis has already pulled the luxury EV sedan from its website.
Genesis pulls the Electrified G80 EV from its US lineup
The Electrified G80 went on sale in the US in the first half of 2023, but has struggled to gain any momentum. Last year, Genesis introduced an updated model with longer range, more interior space, and added luxury, claiming it’s now at the flagship level.
Those in the US may never get to see it. Genesis has already removed the Electrified G80 from its website, with only the GV60 and Electrified GV70 now listed.
The luxury car maker confirmed to Car and Driver on Wednesday that the electric G80 sedan is no longer being offered in North America.
Genesis explained that “the customer is at the core of every decision we make, and we remain flexible as we adapt to ever-changing consumer needs and market conditions.”
The 2024 Electrified G80 was the final model year, and the 2025 version was never sold in the US. Powered by an 87 kWh battery, the Electrified G80 was rated with an EPA-estimated range of 282 miles. Although the updated model boasted a larger battery (94.5 kWh) with increased range (up to 295 miles) in Korea, it still falls short of rivals like the Lucid Air or Tesla Model S.
Genesis sold just 397 models in 2024 and another 77 in the first half of 2025. In comparison, Lucid sold over 5,000 Air sedans in H1, while Tesla has sold 2,715 Model S sedans in the US.
Although Korean automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, dodged the maximum 25% tariff, they will still face a 15% duty on imported vehicles. As its slowest-selling EV, it’s no surprise to see Genesis dropping it from its lineup.
With the $7,500 federal tax credit expiring at the end of September, Genesis is pushing big discounts on its remaining EV models.
Genesis is offering an $18,000 EV Lease Bonus on the 2025 Electrified GV70 and $13,750 bonus for the 2025 GV60. Leases currently start as low as $389 per month.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to view 2025 Genesis GV60 and Electrified GV70 models in your area.
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