Despite opposition from the West as the crisis in Ukraine carried on, the Russian prime minister signed a number of deals with China on Wednesday while visiting Beijing, describing bilateral relations as at an all-time high.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and was scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping. He was the most senior Russian official to visit Beijing since the deployment of thousands of Russian troops to Ukraine in February 2022.
Following the Group of Seven nations' weekend declarations, which specifically targeted Russia and China on various matters including Ukraine, both countries responded with anger. Consequently, the visit is taking place in the aftermath of these strong reactions.
Due to China's increased need for oil and gas, Moscow is relying more on Beijing for support than China is on Russia as the war in Ukraine enters its second year and Russia feels the impact of Western sanctions more and more.
During their meeting in Beijing, Mishustin expressed that the current state of relations between the two countries is at an extraordinary peak.
He further stated that these relations are defined by a mutual respect for each other's interests and a shared commitment to addressing challenges together. This is particularly crucial due to the heightened turbulence in the international arena and the notable pressure exerted by the collective West.
Among the memoranda of understanding that were signed were one on the export of agricultural products to China, one on the cooperation in sports, and one on the strengthening of investment cooperation in trade services.
'Dear friend'
In March, Xi made a visit to Russia where he engaged in talks with President Vladimir Putin, whom he affectionately referred to as a "dear friend." Prior to the 2022 Russia attack on Ukraine, Xi had pledged to establish an unrestricted partnership with Russia. Moscow, referring to the attack as a "special military operation," underscores the significance of their alliance.
Firmly holding that their connection does not go against international rules, China owns the right to engage with whomever it wishes, and their collaboration is not directed at any other nations, Beijing has rejected Western attempts to relate its partnership with Moscow to Ukraine.
According to figures from Chinese customs, China's exports to Russia maintained their upward trend in April, increasing by 153.1% compared to the same period last year over double in March.
According to the Interfax news agency, Russia expects its energy exports to China will experience a 40% increase this year, and the two nations are also talking about Russia receiving Chinese technology.
Forging stronger connections with China is a strategic move for Moscow, according to Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, who spoke on Monday with Chen Wenqing, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo who is in charge of the country's police, legal system, and intelligence.
Beijing has held off on publicly condemning Russia's invasion. However, Xi has been promoting a 12-point peace plan since February, which Kyiv has cautiously embraced while the West has expressed skepticism over.
Li Hui, China's special envoy for Eurasian matters, visited Ukraine last week and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This visit marked the beginning of a European tour that Beijing portrayed as an effort to advance political negotiations and the resolution of the situation.
Li Hui is expected to arrive in Russia on Friday, according to the TASS news agency.