“We just need a derivatives market on the rot, that’ll fix it”

I haven’t really heard any talk of agreements

Yeah there isn't anything official between China and Russia, but relations havent been better since the Sino-Soviet split, both have the same enemy and both complement eachother military capabilities excelllently. On the other hand i don't believe there is also any kind of secret pact signed, rather that both sides had preliminary talks and are ready to cooperate or maybe even ally on a short notice if needed. This would also fit into Chinese foreign politics, they really don't want to commit to anything like this unless there is need.
Also note how was US and their yappers reaction to the defensive alliance signed between Russia and DPRK recently.

“a short and victorious war”

Well nobody is going to say this exact phrase openly because it is thoroughly ridiculed in anglo literature, but this is what they think. If you look at the history of USA wars basically every war after WW2 was suppose to be this, in and out, 20 minute adventure, but nearly all of those except first Iraq turned out to be long and ultimately lost. Which of course is profitable for the ruling class so the US state and military got no real lesson from them and is continously trying to enter new ones, like the one in Ukraine (which was also supposed to be short and victorious, Russia was supposed to fold in few weeks top from the sanctions).
You can also see how US is systematically provoking and escalating situation in east Asia despite it might end up with the conflict against China, a nuclear power. Thing is, China have maybe 5% of US nuclear arsenal, and some fucking fools in Pentagon and WH might think USA will survive the exchange, their internet trolls certainly say this pretty openly.