Russian President Vladimir Putin said in remarks to journalists that trade between Russia and the United States had fallen to zero, while trade with China continued to grow as Moscow and Beijing moved to deepen their economic cooperation in the coming period.
Trade with Washington and Beijing
Putin said Moscow was following relations between the United States and China from the perspective of countries’ interests and the implications of economic understandings, and did not view closer ties between Washington and Beijing as a cause for political jealousy.
China has become a major trading partner for Russia after Moscow redirected a large share of its trade toward Asia amid Western sanctions, while cooperation between the two countries expanded to include energy, technology and transport.
Implications of a U.S.-Chinese understanding
Putin welcomed talks between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies, and said any agreement between them on outstanding issues, including sanctions that Moscow describes as illegal, would have repercussions extending beyond the two countries.
He added that the results of any U.S.-Chinese understanding would affect the global economy, including Russia’s economy, noting that positive agreements could help improve the international trading environment.
Tensions with Europe
Against the backdrop of tensions with Europe, Putin denied that Russia had plans to escalate the situation and accused some Baltic states of violating the rights of Russian speakers. He also linked the escalation in European rhetoric to the war in Ukraine, saying some parties were seeking to use Kyiv in confronting Russia and obstructing its development.
Eurasian Economic Forum
Putin said he had received an invitation to attend the summit of the Eurasian Economic Forum, describing it as a major and important platform for joint work. He said he had informed the Chinese president of his intention to attend, but added that the final decision on participation would remain linked to developments inside Russia.
