The term most commonly used is "fair weather friend". As in, when times are good, the relationship is good.
I have to disagree with this. The fundamentals of the current Sino-Russian relationship are much stronger than they've ever been.
There are no more territorial disputes or designs between the two countries. Neither China nor Russia have any interest in territorial expansion anywhere along the border. Mongolia is very stable as well and plays its part as the neutral buffer state very well, thanks Mongolia.
Strategically, both nations want the same thing: an end to American hegemony. I think this goes without saying. The only real difference is that the Russians are focused on their European side whereas the Chinese are focused on the Pacific.
Economically the countries are in almost perfect alignment. Simply put, Russia has what China wants and wants what China has. The energy for manufactured goods and cash deal is perfect and a great boon for both countries. It's smaller in dollar terms than the Sino-American trade, but far more harmonious, politically speaking.
There's other cultural factors too. Both China and Russia are sick of the way the Western media portrays their countries, particularly with respect fo their former communist legacies. Russian media portrays China in a favorable light and Chinese media does the same for Russia. Generally speaking there's good vibes on both sides. This is extremely important as a good alliance should not be all about money and guns.
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