President Vladimir Putin has painted a picture of a flourishing Russia-China relationship, built on a foundation of soaring trade and shared geopolitical goals. With bilateral trade growing by an estimated $100 billion since 2021, Putin hailed China as “by far Russia’s leading partner,” showcasing the depth of their economic interdependence.
This commercial success is matched by a strategic alignment against Western policies. Putin stressed their “common stand against discriminatory sanctions,” which they argue harm global development. This shared opposition is a key driver of their cooperation within international forums like the SCO and BRICS.
A cornerstone of their economic strategy is the move to conduct nearly all trade in their national currencies, the ruble and the yuan. This deliberate policy of de-dollarization is aimed at creating a more resilient financial system, independent of US control, a long-term goal for both Moscow and Beijing.
As the SCO summit approaches, Putin made it clear that this partnership is set to grow stronger. He spoke of plans to further reduce trade barriers and enhance commerce, particularly by investing in joint infrastructure projects. This powerful alliance is positioned to be the driving force behind the SCO’s agenda for a new global order.