China’s Economic Relationship with Russia Flourishes Amidst Ukraine Conflict
On China’s snowy border with Russia, a dealership that sells trucks has seen its sales double in the past year thanks to Russian customers. China’s exports to its neighbor are so strong that Chinese construction workers built warehouses and 20-story office towers at the border this summer.
The border town Heihe is a microcosm of China’s ever closer economic relationship with Russia. China is profiting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has led Russia to switch from the West to China for purchases of everything from cars to computer chips.
Russia, in turn, has sold oil and natural gas to China at deep discounts. Russian chocolates, sausages, and other consumer goods have become plentiful in Chinese supermarkets. Trade between Russia and China surpassed $200 billion in the first 11 months of this year, a level the countries had not expected to reach until 2024.
Boosting Russia’s Image in China
Russia’s war in Ukraine has also gotten an image boost from China. State media disseminates a steady diet of Russian propaganda in China and around the world. Russia is so popular in China that social media influencers flock to Harbin, the capital of China’s northernmost province in the east, Heilongjiang, to pose in Russian garb in front of a former Russian cathedral there.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China and Russia have managed to strengthen their economic ties. The Chinese truck dealership near the border with Russia has experienced a significant increase in sales, thanks to Russian customers. This surge in trade is indicative of the ever-growing economic relationship between the two countries.
China’s Profits from Russia’s Invasion
China has been able to profit from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as Russia has turned to China for various purchases, ranging from cars to computer chips. This shift in trade partners has allowed China to capitalize on Russia’s changing geopolitical situation. Chinese construction workers have even been involved in building warehouses and 20-story office towers at the border, highlighting the extent of the economic cooperation between the two nations.
Deep Discounts on Oil and Natural Gas
Russia, on the other hand, has been able to sell oil and natural gas to China at significant discounts. This has further strengthened their economic ties and contributed to the growth of bilateral trade. As a result, Russian consumer goods, such as chocolates and sausages, have become increasingly available in Chinese supermarkets.
Enhancing Russia’s Image through Media
Russia has also benefited from China’s support in shaping its image. Chinese state media actively disseminates Russian propaganda, both within China and globally. This concerted effort has helped improve Russia’s reputation and popularity among the Chinese population. In fact, social media influencers in China often travel to Harbin, a city in northeastern China, to pose in Russian attire in front of a former Russian cathedral, showcasing the admiration for Russian culture.
The economic relationship between China and Russia continues to thrive despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both countries have found mutual benefits in their trade and have managed to strengthen their ties. With trade surpassing expectations and the popularity of Russian goods increasing in China, it is evident that this economic partnership is set to grow even further in the coming years.
