Chinese Premier Li Qiang has embarked on a four-day diplomatic visit to Russia and Belarus to bolster strategic ties between China and Russia amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Li, the second-highest official in China after President Xi Jinping, is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and hold talks with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. The discussions are centered around reinforcing China-Russia cooperation across various sectors, despite mounting Western criticism over China’s continued partnership with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
Upon his arrival at Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport on Tuesday, Li emphasized the vitality of China-Russia relations, describing them as entering a “new era” marked by increased political trust, fruitful cooperation, and enhanced international coordination. The visit reflects Beijing’s intent to further deepen its mutually beneficial relationship with Moscow, despite the broader international fallout from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
This high-level meeting comes just two weeks after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk border region, a significant development as it marked the first time foreign troops entered Russian territory since World War II. The ongoing conflict has placed considerable pressure on Russia, both militarily and economically, with many urging a swift resolution to the war.
While China has positioned itself as a potential peace broker, it has faced increasing scrutiny from Western nations regarding its supply of dual-use goods to Russia, which critics argue are bolstering Moscow’s war effort. Chinese officials have reiterated their stance on seeking a political settlement to the crisis, calling for restraint and a reduction in hostilities. However, Beijing’s actions have so far leaned heavily toward solidifying trade, economic, and security ties with Russia.
Bilateral trade between the two nations hit record highs in 2022, exceeding $240 billion ahead of schedule, with Russia growing increasingly dependent on China’s market and investments in the face of broad international sanctions. Trade between the two countries continued to rise by over 25% year-on-year in 2023, although growth has slowed to 1.6% between January and July compared to the same period last year, according to Chinese customs data.
Li’s visit is part of the annual meeting between Chinese and Russian prime ministers, a tradition that has continued since 1996 to ensure the practical implementation of cooperative measures guided by Xi and Putin. This year’s discussions are expected to focus on trade, economic partnerships, and strategic coordination as both countries navigate the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by the Ukraine conflict.
After his meetings in Russia, Li will conclude his trip with a visit to Belarus, where he is set to meet Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko. The two leaders will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation across various sectors. This visit underscores China’s broader regional influence as it seeks to balance its relationships amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and global economic pressures.