The Russian prime minister signed agreements with China during his trip to Beijing on Wednesday. He described bilateral ties as unprecedented, despite the disapproval of the West, who remained concerned about their relationship, even though the conflict in Ukraine continued.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the highest-ranking Russian to visit Beijing since Moscow’s sending thousands of troops to Ukraine in February 2022, held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. He also met with President Xi Jinping.
Moscow, which is more dependent on China than China is on Russia due to the Chinese demand for gas and oil, is relying on Beijing, more so than China.
The West’s pressure has not abated, as the Group of Seven nations weekend declarations single out both countries on a variety of issues, including Ukraine.
Mishustin said to Li during their meeting: “Today the relations between Russia & China are at a unprecedented high level.”
He said that they are marked by a mutual respect for each other’s interest, a desire to respond together to challenges and increased turbulence on the international stage, as well as the pressure from illegitimate Western sanctions.
As our Chinese friends say: “Unity makes it possible to lift mountains.”
Memorandums were signed on a number of issues, including a deal to intensify investment cooperation, an agreement on agricultural exports to China and a sports cooperation agreement.
Interfax reported that the Russian energy exports to China will increase by 40% in this year. The two countries also plan to discuss technological equipment to Russia.
Steve Tsang is the director of The School of Oriental and African Studies’ China Institute in London. He said that sanctions against Russia have opened up new economic opportunities for China.
Tsang said that the visit confirmed the policy of China towards the war in Ukraine, which is “declaring its neutrality, supporting Putin, and paying no cost”.
Xi, who had committed to a partnership with “no limitations” just prior to the Russia’s 2022 attack on Ukraine (which Moscow refers as a “special operation” by Moscow), visited Russia in march and met President Vladimir Putin.
Beijing has rejected Western attempts linking its partnership with Moscow with Ukraine. China insists that their relationship is not in violation of international norms. They have the right to work with whomever they choose, and their collaboration does not target any third country.
Li said that “China is ready to work with Russia in order to implement joint cooperation between both countries. Promoting pragmatic cooperation can bring it to a whole new level.”
The secretary of Russia’s Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said that deepening ties with China was a strategic path for Moscow. He spoke on Monday to Chen Wenqing who is a member of the Chinese Communist Party’s Politburo and oversees intelligence, legal affairs, and police.
Beijing has not publicly denounced Russia’s invasion. Since February, Xi promoted a peaceful plan that has been met by skepticism in the West, and cautious welcome from Kyiv.
China’s Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui met with Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week during a European Tour Beijing described as an effort to promote peace negotiations and a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Li Hui will visit Russia this Friday.
