Or they could've been genuine. Russia plays both sides. In fact, they far prefer their European brethren to the asiatic hordes. If not for NATO's missteps, Russia wouldn't have turned to China. Even now you'll find Russian commentators complaining how China isn't doing enough to supply them and confront the US, while Russians are selflessly shedding blood directly fighting the hegemon. It's rather similar to how Ukraine (and to an extent all proxy states) beg and at the same time secretly resent the US. It's in Russia's natural interests to stir up trouble between east and west so that China is weakened and has no choice but to turn to Russia.
The "Christian" factor is funny but it's exactly the way white imperialistic states like Germany and Russia think. Never forget that Russia was also part of the 8 nation alliance. China's rise is no less existential to them and their worldview.
That is why it is important to keep a tight grip on Russia. Control over the northern hemisphere is the ultimate prize of the USSR breakup, and getting the Russians into Ukraine, where they're openly firing on westerners, means for now, the scramble for Russia is won for China.
Just having Russia as an anti western attack dog will not be enough. Reforming Russia will be China's greatest project in the few upcoming decades. Russia needs to shed it's western style government and adopt socialist values, which should be easy to accept for the population due to historical reasons.
If China plays its cards correctly, it will have returned the era of a strong of leftist bloc, Russia will experience an economic miracle comparable to that which China already went through and will become a poster project of the new era for the UN, a promise to languishing countries that anyone can reach development through democratic planning, anti-corruption and hard work.
