- China urges deeper trade ties with Russia despite Western rebuke

China and Russia are calling for increased cross-border connectivity and deeper trade and investment cooperation, despite Western disapproval following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian minister of economic development and the Chinese commerce minister held discussions on economic cooperation in Beijing, coinciding with a visit by China’s top diplomat to Moscow. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stated that Sino-Russian economic and trade cooperation has continued to deepen under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Russia has relied on China for economic support due to Western sanctions and has seen an increase in Chinese imports of Russian goods. China has defended its partnership with Russia, stating that it does not violate international norms. The Group of Seven ministers has called on third parties to cease assistance to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The Russian Far East, bordering China and North Korea, has become strategically important for cross-border trade. Russia and China have agreed to build a transshipment oil complex near a railway bridge, diversifying Russia’s exports away from Europe. The Russian Far East also hopes to boost exports of marine products to China. Chinese state media emphasizes the need for increased grain trading between China and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared Heilongjiang as a pivotal gateway for China’s opening up in the north.