Russian Foreign Minister Rebuts ‘Reverse Nixon’ Speculation

Some analysts have wondered if the U.S. hopes to use warming ties with Moscow against Beijing

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Saturday. Photo: Xu Heqian/Caixin

Russia’s top diplomat denied that Moscow and Washington have discussed forming an anti-China bloc, amid speculation in some quarters that U.S. President Donald Trump may be pursuing a so-called “reverse Nixon” strategy.

“In none of our contacts with the Americans, in none, be it phone conversation, be it meeting in person, this issue was never raised or even hinted upon,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey on Saturday, in response to a question from Caixin.