Russia and China are forming a closer alliance because the United States is trying to constrain them, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, author of the soon-to-be-released book "Alliance of Evil: Russia, China, the United States in New Cold War," told Newsmax TV Friday night.

"We're seeing a ratcheted up China, certain a very aggressive Russia," Maginnis told "Newsmax Now."

His comments came a day after a new Pentagon report said Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against U.S. and allied targets in the Pacific.

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The report also detailed how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to "fight and win."

The annual report to Congress  highlights China's growing military, economic and diplomatic clout. It further noted that Beijing is leveraging this to rapidly build its international footprint while establishing dominance in the region.

Maginnis said Friday Russia is also acting in a "very aggressive" way.

"They took over Crimea which I consider aggressive...but they are posturing themselves all over the world," he said, including working closely "on bilateral operations with the Chinese." He indicated Russia is also coming of age in a way that it would not have seemed possible after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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