Beijing: Russia has described Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s official visit to China as a mission of “very great importance,” underlining the growing depth of strategic and economic ties between the two nations amid a shifting global order. The two-day visit, beginning Monday, includes meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou and President Xi Jinping in Beijing, focusing on trade, technology, and energy cooperation.
The Kremlin, emphasizing the significance of this visit, said Mishustin’s discussions with Chinese leaders aim to strengthen collaboration under the framework of the “no-limits” partnership announced by Moscow and Beijing in February 2022. That agreement, forged on the eve of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reaffirmed the two powers’ intent to support one another politically and economically in the face of Western sanctions and global realignments.
According to Russian media reports, the talks will center on expanding bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, transportation links, and joint ventures in the energy and agricultural sectors. Moscow sees Beijing as a vital partner in offsetting the economic isolation imposed by Western nations, while China remains keen to maintain a steady supply of discounted Russian energy and raw materials.
Trade between the two countries, however, has shown recent volatility. Official data reveal that China’s exports to Russia fell by 21% year-on-year in September, suggesting market saturation and external pressures, while imports from Russia grew by 3.8%, indicating continued demand for Russian energy and commodities. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trade volume between the two countries has surged to record levels since 2022, driven largely by oil, gas, and defense-related exchanges.
The visit is expected to reinforce efforts to expand payments in local currencies the ruble and yuan as both countries move away from dependence on the U.S. dollar. Analysts suggest that Mishustin’s discussions may also explore enhanced cooperation in advanced technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and defense-related innovations.
For Moscow, this visit signals its continuing pivot toward Asia amid strained relations with the West. It also serves as a platform to demonstrate resilience and strategic alternatives as Western sanctions continue to constrain its financial and industrial landscape. For China, it reaffirms its influence as a central economic ally and geopolitical counterbalance in Eurasia, further positioning Beijing as a key player in shaping a multipolar world order.
Observers note that the outcomes of this visit could have wider geopolitical consequences, especially for neighboring regions such as South and Central Asia. India, which maintains long-standing defense and energy relations with Russia while navigating tensions with China, may find itself watching closely as the Moscow–Beijing axis grows stronger.
As Mishustin’s meetings progress, both governments are expected to release joint statements emphasizing economic resilience, mutual trust, and shared visions of development. While no major agreements have yet been announced, the tone of the visit reflects a deepening partnership one that seeks to redefine power balances and economic cooperation in an increasingly divided world.