Putin never fights with equal opponents.
That's what intelligent people do. They never fight with someone who is equal or superior to them in fighting capabilities. BTW... when was the last time the Americans had a fight with either Russia or China?
Last time it was the bombing of Syria. Before there were sanctions. Americans have long only and do quarrel with Russia. China probably is no problem because after meeting with XI Jinping Trump sent a fleet of America to the shores of North Korea.