Putin and Li Qiang Hail Strengthening Russia-China Trade Relations Amid Growing Pressures

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang met to discuss expanding trade relations. Both leaders emphasized the success and future plans of their economic partnership. The meeting occurred during ongoing conflict with Ukraine and growing economic sanctions from the West. China's increased support for Russia is evident in rising trade metrics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang Wednesday, praising the strengthening trade relations between Moscow and Beijing, especially as Russia increasingly relies on China's political and economic support.

''Our trade relations are developing, developing successfully ... The attention that the governments of the two countries on both sides are paying to trade and economic ties is yielding results," Putin remarked during the Kremlin meeting. He revealed that Russia and China have large-scale plans for future economic and other collaborations. Li Qiang echoed this sentiment by stating that Chinese-Russian relations are at an unprecedentedly high level. Prior to the meeting, Li had discussions with his Russian counterpart, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The meeting was set against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict, with Russian attempts to counter Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region and frequent drone attacks on Moscow. Though Russian news did not clarify if Ukraine was discussed, the backdrop of the meeting highlighted the geopolitical pressures both nations face. China, while positioning itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict, has significantly increased its purchase of Russian oil amid Western sanctions imposed after Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. This strengthened China's influence over Russia. An intelligence report this year shows that China has increased sales of crucial technology to Russia, which may be used in military manufacturing.

(With inputs from agencies.)