China has expressed readiness to expand cooperation with Russia across energy, agriculture and other investment areas, Premier Li Qiang said during talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on Monday. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, Li welcomed more agricultural and food imports from Russia and encouraged Moscow to create a friendlier environment for Chinese enterprises investing and operating in the country.
Energy Ties at the Core of Cooperation
Mishustin described the two nations’ collaboration as “resilient to external challenges,” highlighting the enduring strength of their partnership. He stressed that cooperation in energy holds “special, strategic importance,” encompassing oil, gas, coal and nuclear sectors. Russia has become a vital supplier of energy to China, particularly since the start of its conflict with Ukraine, while Beijing continues to rely on stable imports to fuel its vast economy.
Shared Geopolitical Interests
As Russia continues its war against NATO-backed Ukrainian forces and China faces mounting pressure from the US and its allies, both countries have drawn closer politically and economically. The two nations declared a “no limits” strategic partnership in February 2022, just days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Over the past decade, President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin have met more than 40 times. Their relationship has strengthened further in recent months, with Putin openly referring to China as an ally.
(with inputs from Reuters)
