China Expands Russian Ties Beyond Putin's Circle as 40% Trade Share Deepens Leverage
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jul 14
China Expands Russian Ties Beyond Putin's Circle as 40% Trade Share Deepens Leverage
3 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jul 14
Summary
Beijing is quietly building ties across Russia’s political establishment beyond Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, aiming to preserve influence if power shifts after Putin.
That push reflects China’s view of Russia as a long-term strategic partner whose politics could change, while Beijing avoids public moves that might look like it is undercutting Putin.
Russia’s dependence has widened since the Ukraine invasion severed Western ties: China now accounts for about 40% of Russian foreign trade, up from roughly 10% in 2013, while Russia makes up less than 4% of China’s trade.
That imbalance has given Beijing leverage in key negotiations, including yuan use in a planned SCO development bank and the stalled Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, where China is pressing for near-domestic Russian gas prices.
The broader result is a relationship in which Moscow is increasingly reluctant to confront alleged Chinese espionage or recruitment efforts, underscoring how sanctions-era isolation has shifted power toward Beijing.
Is China’s economic support a lifeline or a trap for Russia's future?
How does the Sino-Russian military tech axis threaten security beyond Ukraine?
Is Russia becoming China’s giant resource colony?
China-Russia Relations in 2026: Institutionalization, Economic Asymmetry, and Geopolitical Realignment
Overview
In May 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Beijing marked a major step in strengthening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. The visit featured a warm welcome on Tiananmen Square and highlighted the close personal rapport between Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Talks began privately and expanded to include delegations, underscoring efforts to deepen political trust and strategic coordination. A key outcome was the extension of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, reaffirming the treaty’s role as the foundation of their relationship and signaling a new phase of closer collaboration.