The close relationship between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping has strengthened amid international efforts to isolate Russia through sanctions in response to the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Xi declared a “no limits” partnership with Russia before the invasion and has continued to strengthen ties with Putin despite the ongoing war. Trade between the two countries reached record levels last year, with Russia increasing imports from China and Chinese buyers purchasing discounted Russian fuel.
The United States has accused China of enabling Russia’s defense industrial base by exporting products like machine tools and microelectronics and increasing related goods consistent with those claims. China has defended its trade with Russia as normal bilateral relations and maintained a neutral position on the war. The two countries have upgraded their ties since the onset of the conflict, leading to increased trade and economic cooperation.
In response to sanctions imposed by the European Union, the US, and other allies on Russia, China has emerged as a key economic lifeline for Russia. Bilateral trade between China and Russia surpassed $240 billion last year, making China Russia’s top trade partner. China has expanded its exports to Russia, including industrial and commercial goods like vehicles, machinery, and home appliances. Russia has become China’s main oil supplier, overtaking Saudi Arabia, further solidifying their economic relationship.
The surge in trade between China and Russia during the war has raised criticisms in the West that China is financially supporting Russia’s military actions. White House officials and European leaders have raised concerns about China’s export of dual-use goods with potential military applications to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron have warned China about its support for Russia’s defense industry, urging Beijing to curb such exports.
Despite international pressure, the friendship between Putin and Xi has continued to grow, with the two leaders consolidating power and rewriting term limits to extend their rules. Putin’s visit to China marks his symbolic first international trip since starting his fifth term as president, highlighting the significance of the relationship between Russia and China. Xi and Putin have a history of marking milestones together, with this visit representing their fourth in-person meeting since the conflict in Ukraine began.
Overall, China’s support for Russia amid international sanctions and criticisms has deepened economic ties between the two countries, raising concerns about China’s role in fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. While China maintains a neutral stance on the conflict, Western governments have expressed alarm over China’s export of dual-use goods to Russia. The friendship between Putin and Xi continues to develop, with the two leaders prioritizing their relationship despite global efforts to isolate Russia.
