…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed Beijing’s support for Moscow’s “core interests” during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The economic and diplomatic cooperation between China and Russia has strengthened in recent years, especially following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Despite China’s claim of neutrality in the conflict, the two countries have grown closer.

Prime Minister Mishustin’s visit to China marks the highest-level visit by a Russian official since the invasion.

President Xi assured Mishustin of continued support on issues concerning each other’s core interests and emphasized the importance of collaboration in multilateral arenas.

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Mishustin, in turn, described the Russia-China relations as being at an unprecedented high level, characterized by mutual respect and a desire to address challenges amidst turbulence in the international arena and Western sanctions.

China is Russia’s largest trading partner, with trade reaching a record $190 billion last year.

The bilateral trade has continued to thrive, with Li noting that trade had already surpassed $70 billion this year, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 40 percent.

The scale of investment between the two countries is also advancing steadily, with strategic large-scale projects making progress.

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Following the talks, ministers from both countries signed agreements on service trade cooperation, sports, patents, and Russian millet exports to China.

China’s upper hand in the relationship is evident, as it has become Russia’s top energy customer, particularly for gas exports that have declined due to Western sanctions.

Analysts suggest that China’s influence over Russia is growing as Moscow faces international isolation.

The leaders of both countries are united by shared grievances and insecurities, feeling threatened by Western leadership and seeking greater deference on issues related to their interests.

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Despite some differences, the Russia-China relationship remains strong.