Peskov does not see a threat of Russia becoming dependent on China – Kommersant

Press Secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov believes that the development of Russian-Chinese trade relations does not pose a threat of dependence. He noted that President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on plans to develop cooperation even before the deterioration of relations between Russia and the West.

During the press call, journalists drew attention to statistics that show that Russia’s trade volumes with China, both imports and exports, have increased exponentially over the past two years. Media representatives asked Dmitry Peskov whether these indicators indicate Moscow’s growing dependence on Beijing.

“No, we do not see economic and political threats in this. Here I would like to remind you that at their meetings and negotiations, both President Putin and Chairman Xi set the goal of further developing the volume of trade and economic relations, bringing them beyond the $200 billion horizon even before the start of a special military operation. Therefore, this is a systematic, mutually beneficial development of trade and economic cooperation, which has long roots,” said Mr. Peskov.

Trade turnover between Russia and China at the end of 2022 increased by 29.3%, to $190 billion, in 2023 – by 26.3%, to $240.1 billion. In January-February 2024, according to assessment General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, trade turnover amounted to $37.01 billion. Exports from China to Russia over two months increased by 12.5%, to $16.8 billion, imports from Russia to China – by 6.7%, to $20.2 billion .

Read more about Chinese supplies in the Kommersant publication. “Import at risk”.