Russia as a Foreign Trade Partner of China

Abstract

The aim of the article is to review the dynamics and key trends in the development of Russian-Chinese foreign trade over the past few years. China is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters, as well as an important political and economic partner of Russia. The expansion of Russian-Chinese trade cooperation — driven by the current geopolitical situation and the need for flexible solutions to financial and logistical challenges — has led to intensified interaction between Russia and both China’s border regions (where Russia has traditionally been a key trade partner), the economically developed coastal provinces, and even the less developed northwestern areas. Methods. The author analyzes the nature of bilateral trade cooperation, its potential growth areas, and its significance for both countries. It is convincingly argued that the impressive growth in trade turnover does not always indicate a qualitative shift in the trade structure. In conclusion, the article notes that Russia’s increasing focus on cooperation with Chinese partners places it in a position of dependence on China, for which Russia is an important — but not a top-priority — foreign trade partner.