After the start of a special military operation in Ukraine, China took its usual neutral position, not succumbing to the anti-Russian hysteria that engulfed the West. Beijing continues to develop relations with Moscow, at the same time declaring the inviolability of the principle of territorial integrity of states, and demonstrates in every way that it intends to adhere to this approach in the future.
Unprecedented level of cooperation
In recent years, the leaders of Russia and China have noted an unprecedented level of bilateral cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing on February 4 on the opening day of the Winter Olympics. Together with Xi Jinping, they signed a joint statement stating that "friendship between the two states has no borders, there are no forbidden zones in cooperation, the strengthening of bilateral strategic cooperation is not directed against third countries, is not affected by the changing international environment and situational changes in third countries." During the year, Xi Jinping met with Putin twice, in addition, they held telephone talks twice (in February and June).
Despite the Ukrainian crisis, Chinese politicians have regularly expressed their readiness to comprehensively develop cooperation with Moscow throughout the year. At a meeting with the Chinese President at the SCO summit in Samarkand, the Russian President succinctly described the relations between the two countries at the political level: "The world is changing rapidly, but only one thing remains unchanged: friendship between China and Russia."
Record trade turnover
The trade turnover between Russia and China in January - November of this year increased by 32% year-on-year, reaching $172.4 billion, thus Moscow and Beijing have already exceeded last year's record figure of $146.88 billion. Exports from China to Russia for 11 months increased by 13.4% and amounted to about $67.3 billion. Imports from Russia to China soared by 47.5% to $105 billion. According to the latest data from the Chinese customs, in January - October, only oil, pipeline gas, LNG, coal and fuel oil from Russia accounted for 72% of all Russian imports.
It is noteworthy that China, against the background of a decrease in the total volume of purchases of hydrocarbons, has increased their imports from the Russian Federation. In the first 10 months, China has increased the physical volume of imports of Russian oil by 9.5%, LNG - by 32%, coking coal - by 100%. The Chinese customs has not yet reported on the volume of pipeline gas supplies from Russia, but it is known that the cost of fuel supplies through pipes has jumped by 182%. China did not join the ceiling of oil prices from the Russian Federation after Western countries.
Cooperation is not to the detriment of yourself
China has repeatedly condemned the expansion of NATO to the east and the role of the United States in this, criticized the supply of weapons by the West to Kiev. At the same time, in relations with Western countries on the Ukrainian issue, China avoided extremes. Beijing has maintained cooperation with Moscow, but not to its detriment. Despite the record trade turnover between Russia and China, Moscow is still far from China's largest trading partner.
On February 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation. The Chinese diplomat expressed understanding about Russia's legitimate security concerns and at the same time stated that Beijing "has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries." The same words were heard from Beijing in 2014 after the referendum in Crimea on joining the Russian Federation.
Beijing has not sided with either side of the conflict, the block confrontation contradicts its worldview. As the Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed, China is in no way a party to the conflict. Beijing stands for peace and global cooperation with all countries without exception, as only this will bring it maximum benefit. This is China's special "middle way" in a situation of unprecedented changes in the world.
Waiting for a new record
Next year, Beijing is likely to maintain its position on the Ukrainian crisis and will continue to develop partnership relations with Moscow. The trade turnover between the two countries is likely to exceed $200 billion: this is facilitated by the political will of the leaders of the two countries, China's "exit" from the pandemic, as well as the vacant niches in the Russian market after the departure of Western companies.
The Chinese government clearly does not intend to join any economic sanctions of Western countries against Russia. However, at the same time, Chinese companies and banks will be cautious in interacting with the Russian market for fear of falling under secondary sanctions.
The turn of Russian policy towards the East, in particular towards China, is likely to manifest itself in many areas of everyday life. We should expect more Chinese cars on the roads, and more attention from private investors to the shares of Chinese companies and bonds denominated in yuan. After the easing of anti-weed restrictions in China, Hainan Island may become one of the popular destinations for Russian tourists. Even more students will go from Russia to study in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
TASS correspondent Andrey Popov.
