Russia and China expand economic ties amid Western pressure. Bilateral trade surpassed $240 billion in 2025, with first-quarter 2026 showing nearly 20% year-on-year growth at $85.2 billion. Both nations have largely eliminated Western currencies from trade, conducting nearly all transactions in rubles and yuan to reduce dollar dependence. China remains Russia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years while Russia ranks in China's top eight. The partnership spans energy, raw materials, machinery, and consumer goods. Moscow and Beijing coordinate through BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and multilateral forums. President Putin's Beijing visit signals continued strengthening of bilateral relations as both nations seek economic resilience against external pressures and advance their vision of a multipolar world order.
