China, Russia partnership ‘stronger than ever’ despite Western sanctions: envoy

Western sanctions have not weakened ties between Beijing and Moscow but instead fostered closer dialogue and higher levels of mutual trust, Russia’s ambassador to China Igor Morgulov said on Tuesday.

Addressing a forum at Renmin University of China in Beijing, Morgulov portrayed the deepening partnership as a response to efforts aimed at constraining both countries’ technological development and distorting fair competition.

China and Russia had expanded cooperation in an “extremely complex” international environment, he said. They had opened efficient communication channels, worked to stabilise global production and logistics chains and established reliable bilateral settlement mechanisms.

“Almost all bilateral trade is now conducted in local currencies,” Morgulov said, adding that the two economies were “complementary, with broad and multidimensional space for cooperation”.

China has faced pressure, particularly from Western nations, for not condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and has also been accused of selling drone components and “dual-use” technologies to Russia.

China has repeatedly denied the accusations which have led to sanctions being imposed on certain Chinese entities and individuals.

China-Russia relations had reached “their highest level in history” in terms of depth and mutual trust, Morgulov said, adding that ties would continue to develop in a steady and dynamic manner.

South China Morning Post