Chinese President Xi Jinping has been keen to stress the need to deepen China-Russia ties, having done so when making an official visit to Beijing in September. Our visit coincided with a big military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. These statements by Xi underscore his intent to deepen economic cooperation further portraying this against an increasingly fractious global backdrop.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have cultivated a close personal relationship in recent years. This bond has continued to be a significant link in further strengthening the bond between their countries. Ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, China has continued to build and cement its relationship with Russia. This alignment takes place despite Western nations increasing their pressure on both nations.
Areas of Cooperation
As they wrapped up meetings over the weekend, Putin pointed to sectors like agriculture and technology in which China and Russia should strengthen collaboration. These priorities span energy, agriculture, aerospace, the digital economy, and green development. The focus on these sectors is a sign of a smart tactic to strengthen economic connectivity and bilateral investment.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported this sentiment, stating that it is “our shared strategic choice to uphold, consolidate and develop China-Russia relations.” This pronouncement highlights the areas of continued dedication both countries are demonstrating in working to not only sustain, but deepen their bilateral partnership across multiple areas.
“China-Russia relations have forged ahead this year despite the turbulent external environment,” – President Xi Jinping
Given the above challenges, Xi’s comments come at a pivotal time. Bilateral commerce have further sprung a leak, particularly as Beijing finds itself under increasing duress in the trade and technology arenas from Washington. Xi’s administration continues to look for ways to broaden investments with Russia, trying to establish a mutually advantageous economic underpinning.
Military and Strategic Agreements
Almost as seismic is the monumental opportunity unfolding in the region. Russia and North Korea recently agreed to a mutual defense pact, with each agreeing to provide military assistance to the other if attacked. This agreement makes the regional trend lines even less favorable, coming as they do during heightened tension over a Russian-Ukraine dispute.
In light of these developments, Putin has instructed his government to establish “multimodal transport and logistics centres” along the Chinese border. Under this initiative, the two countries’ customs authorities hope to see more efficient trade routes and enhanced logistical order-processing capabilities between the two countries. These types of infrastructure projects would increase people- and goods-movements, strengthen our economic ties and create more resilient supply chains.
The Future of China-Russia Relations
While bilateral trade has dipped in recent days, the relationship runs deeper than individual contracts. Both countries are focused on building their friendship. The two nations are deepening their energy partnership. The new highs for their trade only make clearer their interdependence, especially given the reality of Western sanctions. Xi Jinping’s administration continues to promote the notion that strengthening ties with Russia is essential for both nations’ strategic interests.
As geopolitical tensions show no signs of a let-up, the relationship between China and Russia seems set to deepen. Both leaders recognize the importance of collaboration in facing shared challenges, reinforcing their commitment to navigate a “turbulent” global environment together.
