Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, and Li Qiang, China's premier, recently convened to highlight the strengthening bonds between their nations. The meeting, which took place on August 21, 2024, at the Kremlin, underscored the growing economic and political cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
Putin noted that trade relations were "developing successfully" and "yielding results." This statement aligns with the fact that China has been Russia's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years as of 2023. The bilateral trade between the two nations reached $146.9 billion in 2021, demonstrating the significant economic ties.
Li Qiang reciprocated by commending the efforts of Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in elevating bilateral relations to an "unprecedentedly high level." This high-level cooperation is evident in various sectors, including energy. The Power of Siberia natural gas pipeline, connecting Russia and China, serves as a tangible example of their economic collaboration.
The meeting occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions with Western nations. Moscow had recently repelled a significant drone attack, while Russian forces continued their efforts to counter a Ukrainian incursion in the Kursk region.
China's stance on the Ukraine conflict remains a topic of international scrutiny. While Beijing asserts neutrality and denies supporting Russia's military actions, it faces criticism for its economic support of Moscow. China has become Russia's top crude oil supplier in 2022, potentially helping Russia mitigate the impact of Western sanctions.
NATO, in July 2024, accused China of becoming a "decisive enabler of Russia's war" by providing essential components for weapon production. Beijing strongly refuted these allegations. However, the intensifying political ties between Moscow and Beijing reflect their shared concerns about Western influence in global affairs.
Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's prime minister, echoed these sentiments in his meeting with Li. He condemned Western attempts to contain Russia and China through "illegitimate sanctions" and "unfair competition methods." Mishustin emphasized the importance of their partnership in shaping the "new contours of the global order."
The Russia-China relationship has evolved significantly since the Sino-Soviet split in the 1960s, which led to decades of tensions. Today, both nations are key members of international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. They also share veto power in the UN Security Council, further solidifying their global influence.
As the international landscape continues to shift, the strengthening ties between Russia and China may have far-reaching implications for global politics and economics. The ongoing cooperation between these two major powers suggests a potential realignment of international relations in the coming years.