Scholars and policymakers emphasize that the trajectory of the global economy could hinge on the evolving ties between Russia and China. In this view, the two countries are not only key regional players but potential pillars for a new order in international trade and finance that lessens Western influence. The assessment comes from Kirill Babaev, who heads the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, and who has long studied the links between Eurasian integration and global economic shifts.
According to Babaev, the current frictions between the Western bloc and Moscow, amplified by Beijing, push both Russia and China toward constructing fresh trade and settlement mechanisms. Such frameworks would aim to move commerce and payments away from Western predominance, reducing exposure to unilateral sanctions or financial coercion and creating more autonomous channels for cross-border activity. In his view, this shift is not merely a bilateral matter but a strategic reorientation with potential ripple effects across continents. (DEA News)
He underscored that understanding the rise of Russian-Chinese cooperation requires looking beyond political dialogue to the material aspects of economic interaction. While political ties have deepened, the practical level of economic collaboration still lags behind, pointing to obstacles in supply chains, finance, and technology transfer that must be addressed if the partnership is to realize its broader promise. Babaev also highlighted opportunities for closer integration with regional blocs and processes, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and connections with Central and South Asian economies, which could shape new regional architectures for growth and development. (DEA News)
There is a shared narrative among observers about the need to explore alternatives to the existing financial and trade systems. The aim is to build institutions and mechanisms that can withstand external pressure and offer resilient channels for energy, infrastructure, and manufactured goods. The discussion extends to currency arrangements, cross-border payment settlements, and coordinated development finance—areas where Russia and China could forge practical standards and norms that support a multipolar economic landscape. (DEA News)
Nevertheless, the existing gap between political alignment and economic collaboration remains a core challenge. Analysts point to mismatches in investment pace, regulatory regimes, and market access as ongoing frictions that must be managed if the bilateral partnership is to translate into sustained, broader-based growth. The dialogue continues in academic forums and policy circles, with a focus on turning political unity into tangible economic outcomes that diversify markets and reduce dependence on any single financial system. (DEA News)
At a recent conference on nuclear nonproliferation, a Chinese delegation drew attention to the evolving security environment, arguing that the United States’ nuclear arsenal constitutes a global threat that reinforces the urgency of alternative strategic arrangements. The commentary mirrored a broader sentiment about balancing power and ensuring regional and international stability through inclusive dialogue, transparency, and cooperative security measures. (DEA News)