China-Russia Relations Strengthened Through Premier’s Trip
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent four-day visit to Russia and Belarus has been seen as a significant step towards deepening coordination between the two countries and reaffirming the strong ties between Beijing and Moscow. Analysts note that this trip comes at a crucial time when trade relations between China and Russia are facing challenges, and both countries are navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Reassuring Moscow amidst Trade Strains
During his visit to Moscow, Premier Li aimed to reassure Russian leaders that any issues in the bilateral economic and trade relationship are merely logistical in nature. Philipp Ivanov, a nonresident senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, highlighted the importance of China’s efforts to convey the message that it does not want to see an escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This reassurance is crucial as both countries have recently announced gains on the battlefield, raising concerns about further escalation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the growing trade relations between China and Russia, emphasizing the positive results that bilateral efforts have yielded. He underscored the importance of continuing joint plans and projects in various spheres, indicating a commitment to further strengthening economic ties between the two nations. In response, Premier Li expressed China’s readiness to enhance bilateral cooperation through scientific and industrial innovation, while also emphasizing the importance of cultural, tourism, and education exchanges.
Challenges in Bilateral Trade Relations
Despite the optimistic tone set by top officials from both countries, bilateral trade relations between China and Russia have faced complications in recent months. Reports suggest that Chinese banks have rejected direct Chinese yuan payments from Russian entities, leading to challenges in conducting trade transactions. Additionally, Chinese exports to Russia have had to navigate through third countries to circumvent international sanctions, resulting in a significant drop in Chinese exports to Russia since the beginning of the year.
These trade complications have posed serious issues for Russia, as it has become heavily reliant on Chinese imports to sustain its economy and war efforts in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ivanov highlighted the complexities of these trade challenges, noting that they are not easily resolved and could continue to impact the bilateral relationship between China and Russia.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
In addition to economic ties, Premier Li’s visit to Russia also aimed to bolster strategic cooperation between the two countries. Amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, China and Russia have conducted joint patrols near Alaska and Japan, as well as a joint naval exercise in the South China Sea. This strategic collaboration underscores the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia.
The joint statement issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Putin during the latter’s visit to China in May highlighted the commitment to enhancing strategic ties. Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, emphasized the significance of elevating the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia through ongoing efforts to strengthen security and military cooperation.
Despite the positive trajectory of the bilateral relationship, Ivanov cautioned that factors such as the Ukraine war and Russia’s ties with North Korea could complicate relations between China and Russia. He noted the importance of addressing potential escalations and challenges, particularly in the context of nuclear weapons and security concerns.
Counterbalancing NATO Pressure
Apart from strengthening ties with Russia, analysts suggest that China’s engagement with Belarus during Premier Li’s visit serves as a strategic demonstration of its ability to push back against perceived NATO pressure. Belarus’s recent entry into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and joint antiterrorism exercises with China near the Polish and Ukrainian borders signal China’s strategic alignment with Belarus in response to NATO concerns.
Elizabeth Wishnick, a senior research scholar at Columbia University, emphasized the importance of China’s closer alignment with Belarus as a way to assert its presence and influence in the face of NATO pressures. This strategic positioning showcases Beijing’s efforts to navigate geopolitical challenges and assert its stance on regional security dynamics.
Global Diplomatic Coordination
Despite the complexities and challenges in the bilateral relationship, China and Russia share a mutual interest in strengthening their diplomatic coordination on a global scale. Efforts to expand organizations like BRICS and joint initiatives to address global conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, underscore the depth of their strategic partnership. Ivanov highlighted the seriousness with which China and Russia are pursuing this partnership, emphasizing the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration.
As Premier Li’s visit concludes, the reaffirmation of ties between China and Russia signals a commitment to deepening cooperation across economic, strategic, and diplomatic fronts. The challenges and complexities that both countries face underscore the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to navigate evolving geopolitical landscapes and maintain a robust partnership.