CaliToday (30/8/2025): On the eve of a crucial state visit to China, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized Western sanctions as his country's economy teeters on the brink of recession, battered by trade restrictions and the immense cost of his war in Ukraine.
Putin is scheduled to be in China from Sunday to Wednesday. His agenda includes a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the northern port city of Tianjin. The security-focused bloc, founded by a group of Eurasian nations in 2001, has expanded to 10 permanent members, now including Iran and India.
Following the summit, Putin will travel to Beijing for extensive talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A key highlight will be his attendance at a grand military parade in the Chinese capital to commemorate the end of World War II following Japan's formal surrender.
The visit reciprocates President Xi's trip to Moscow in early May, where he attended the Red Square parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet and Allied victory over Nazi Germany. It was Xi's 11th visit to his nation's giant neighbor since taking office over a decade ago, underscoring the deepening ties between the two leaders.
An Economic Lifeline Amidst Western Pressure
Russia has been hit with successive waves of Western sanctions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. With the potential for even more restrictive measures on the horizon—U.S. President Donald Trump has said he may impose "major" new sanctions—Moscow has increasingly leaned on Beijing for economic support.
"In short, the economic, trade and industrial cooperation between our two countries is progressing across many areas," Putin told Xinhua, addressing China, which the West accuses of propping up Russia's so-called special military operation in Ukraine. "During my upcoming visit, we will certainly further discuss the prospects of mutually beneficial cooperation and new steps to enhance it for the benefit of the Russian and Chinese peoples."
As Western nations severed ties with Moscow, China stepped in, buying up Russian oil and selling goods ranging from cars to electronics. This pivot helped drive bilateral trade to a record $245 billion in 2024.
Putin highlighted this economic alignment, noting that nearly all transactions between the two nations are now conducted in rubles and yuan. He stated that Russia is the top exporter of oil and gas to China and that both sides are continuing joint efforts to reduce bilateral trade barriers.
"In recent years, the export of pork and beef to China has been launched. On the whole, agricultural products and food occupy a prominent place in Russia's exports to China," he added.
Notably, Putin's interview did not address the European Union's accusations that China is materially supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, which the bloc describes as a grave threat to European security. China has consistently denied these allegations.
Putin and Xi famously declared a "no limits" strategic partnership in 2022 and have met more than 40 times over the past decade. Wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes over the unlawful deportation of hundreds of children from Ukraine, Putin's last trip to China was in 2024.
