China urged today, Tuesday, for increased cross-border communication with Russia and deepening mutual cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, as both allied countries commit to strengthening economic ties despite Western opposition following last year's Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Minister of Economic Development held "in-depth" discussions on economic cooperation with Chinese Minister of Commerce in Beijing today, coinciding with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Moscow for strategic talks that confirmed President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing next month.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stated during the discussions in Beijing that Chinese-Russian economic and trade cooperation is becoming deeper and "more resilient" under the "strategic guidance" of the two countries' leaders, according to a statement from his ministry.
As the war in Ukraine enters its second year and Russia faces Western sanctions, Moscow has relied on its ally Beijing for economic support, benefiting from Chinese demand for oil, gas, and grains.
Beijing has rejected Western criticism of its growing partnership with Moscow in light of the Russian war on Ukraine, insisting that the relationship does not violate international norms, and that China has the right to cooperate with any country of its choosing.
