China is Russia’s most important partner and has repeatedly stressed the importance of strategic cooperation with Russia. The two countries have gradually strengthened their political, military and economic cooperation.
In order to protect Russian and Chinese interests to a greater extent, both sides seek to be alternatives to the West in the current restructuring of the international order. A key pillar of bilateral relations is the common perception that the United States is the main threat to the states of China and Russia. Something that the United States not only does not hide but constantly trumpets.
The growing trust between the two countries liberates and generates resources. In the past, tense relations tied up significant military forces on both sides of the border. For Beijing, this cooperation means that it has its back and can focus its defense modernization against the United States and its allies in the Pacific. For Russia, zero tensions on the border with China are crucial to its ability to challenge the US and NATO in the West and to concentrate its ground forces in Ukraine.
The high number of meetings between Russian and Chinese officials will continue, and the parties will continue to develop their relations through formal agreements. This makes bilateral relations less dependent on the personal relationship between Xi and Putin, deepening the bonds of cooperation. China has consistently supported Russia diplomatically in international forums, and the two sides cooperate closely in the UN Security Council, especially on issues related to criticism of Western countries. In addition, both countries are seeking to rapidly strengthen multilateral organizations such as the BRICS and the SCO, with the aim of creating real alternatives to organizations where the West has influence. While Beijing is the driving force behind the addition of new countries to the BRICS, the enlargement gives Moscow the opportunity to demonstrate the lie that Russia is internationally isolated.
The balance of cooperation tends to increase in China’s favor. Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and Western sanctions have made it much more dependent on China than the other way around. This trend is evident in almost all areas of Sino-Russian cooperation.
China today is essential to Russia’s ability to absorb the effects of Western sanctions and stabilize its economy. In 2023, bilateral trade exceeded $200 billion for the first time. Growth is expected to continue through 2030, partly due to increased industrial cooperation, simplified bureaucratic procedures, and improved transport infrastructure.
Russia is increasingly buying Chinese consumer goods, while Chinese investment in Russia is slowing. Russia’s adaptation to the use of the Chinese currency (renminbi – RMB) in trade settlements and foreign exchange reserves reduces Russia’s vulnerability to US sanctions but increases its subordination to Beijing’s fiscal policy.
If the two leaders have laid the foundations of their alliance on mutual respect and solidarity, then the above will be regulated in the best way. After all, both countries are in the crosshairs of the collapsing US empire, and this is a powerful counterweight to temporary imbalances.
