Russian President Vladimir Putin praised 30 years of long-standing governmental cooperation between Russia and China during a state visit to Beijing this week.
The meeting underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations as they navigate complex global relations and economic sanctions. By strengthening ties with China, Russia secures a critical economic lifeline and a powerful diplomatic ally on the world stage.
Putin met with Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang during the two-day visit that took place May 19-20, 2026. The leaders discussed the evolution of their diplomatic relationship and the shared goals of their respective governments.
A primary focus of the discussions was the growth of economic ties between the two countries. Putin said that bilateral trade between Russia and China has increased by 10% [1] this year.
Officials said this growth was due to a shift in how the two nations conduct business. The increase was facilitated by the use of national currencies in transactions, reducing reliance on Western financial systems and the U.S. dollar.
The state visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical realignment. While Russia reaffirms its ties with Beijing, China continues to seek stable relations with the U.S. following a recent summit between President Xi and the U.S. administration.
Throughout the visit, Putin said that the cooperation between the two states remains a cornerstone of regional stability. The 30-year milestone serves as a symbolic anchor for future agreements in energy, security, and trade.
“Bilateral trade between Russia and China has increased by 10% this year”
The shift toward using national currencies for trade signifies a deliberate effort by Russia and China to 'de-dollarize' their economic relationship. This move reduces the effectiveness of U.S.-led financial sanctions and creates a parallel economic framework that allows both nations to maintain trade volumes despite Western pressure.
