China’s President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Russia, calling for expanded mutual investment and deeper cooperation across key industries during a meeting on Tuesday with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing.
The talks, held at the Great Hall of the People, underscored China’s intention to maintain and elevate its strategic partnership with Moscow, even as both nations face heightened geopolitical tensions and external economic pressure.
Xi’s remarks followed earlier discussions between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mishustin in Hangzhou, where Li similarly emphasised the need to protect shared security interests and build resilient economic channels.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Mishustin that China–Russia relations have “stayed the course toward higher-level and higher-quality development,” advancing despite what he described as a “turbulent external environment.”
He reiterated that safeguarding and consolidating the bilateral partnership is a “strategic choice” for both sides.
Xi highlighted several areas where cooperation could expand, including energy, agriculture, aerospace, digital technology, and green development—sectors Beijing sees as potential “new engines of growth” for the partnership.
Russia, heavily sanctioned by Western countries over its invasion of Ukraine, has increasingly relied on China as a key financial and trade lifeline.
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The Kremlin has cast Mishustin’s visit as especially significant, given Russia’s current economic isolation. Deepening economic engagement with China—including alternative payment systems, currency settlements, and expanded trade—is central to Moscow’s efforts to offset sanctions and stabilise its economy.
Mishustin, according to Russia’s TASS news agency, emphasized the importance of creating favourable conditions for mutual investment and accelerating joint economic projects.
The two nations have touted their “no-limits partnership,” signed by Xi and President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, just days before Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Since then, bilateral trade surged to record levels, with China purchasing more Russian energy and increasing settlements in yuan.
However, the momentum has slowed in recent months. China faces growing U.S. scrutiny over its trade with Moscow, particularly in technology and energy.
Last month, Reuters reported that major Chinese state oil companies halted purchases of seaborne Russian oil following U.S. sanctions on energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil.
In a joint communique issued on Tuesday, Beijing and Moscow pledged to “strengthen cooperation in all spheres and respond appropriately to external challenges.” Russia also reiterated its support for China’s “one-China” principle and opposition to Taiwanese independence.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taiwan maintains it is a sovereign state and that its future must be decided by its people.
NAN
