PDB Afternoon Bulletin | July 28th, 2026: China Is Already Preparing For Russia After Putin & Iran Weighs A Hormuz Compromise

The President's Daily Brief · Jul 28, 2026 · 14m

In this episode of The PDB Afternoon Bulletin: First—China is quietly preparing for a future beyond Vladimir Putin, cultivating relationships throughout the Russian political establishment as Moscow becomes increasingly dependent on Beijing. Once viewed by Xi Jinping as a model of strength, Putin now finds himself leading the junior partner in an increasingly unequal relationship. Later—a Gulf-backed proposal offers a possible path toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The plan calls for shared regional management and voluntary shipping fees, but would require Iran to abandon its demand for…