Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted a video dialogue that highlighted ongoing high-level exchanges between Moscow and Beijing last year and affirmed intentions to keep up intensive bilateral dialogue.
During the discussion, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow and Beijing collaborate in shaping a more just global order, noting shared perspectives on the causes and trajectory of the current transformation of global geopolitics. He added that both nations operate under unprecedented Western pressure and provocations, and that their efforts defend not only national interests but also those who advocate for a democratic world order. The Russian president described the bilateral relationship as the strongest in history and as a model of cooperation between great powers in the 21st century. [CITATION: Kremlin press service]
Trade turnover
Putin reported a record surge in bilateral trade and suggested that the $200 billion milestone could be reached ahead of schedule. Based on 2022 results, trade was expected to rise by about 25 percent. He attributed the growth to resilience amid adverse external conditions, illegitimate restrictions, and pressure from some Western countries. [CITATION: Russian economic ministry]
There was a notable uptick in agricultural commerce as well, with January–November figures showing a 36 percent increase to $6 billion. He also noted important collaborative projects in transportation infrastructure, including the Blagoveshchensk–Heihe highway bridge opened on June 10 and the Nizhneleninskoye–Tongjiang railway bridge inaugurated on November 16, marking a historic milestone in their connectivity. [CITATION: regional development agency]
Energy sources
Looking ahead, Russia planned to increase natural gas deliveries to China in the coming year. Putin highlighted Russia’s leading role among oil exporters to China and described energy supplies as reaching unprecedented volumes, with ongoing joint efforts to expand hydrocarbon production and processing capacity. He noted that Russia ranked second in pipeline gas deliveries and fourth in liquefied natural gas imports, with 13.8 billion cubic meters transported via the eastern route by December 1 and a later expansion of daily surplus liabilities reaching 18 percent. Russia also stood as China’s largest oil supplier, with 7.8 million tons shipped in November. [CITATION: energy ministry]
Military cooperation
Putin pledged to advance military and military-technical collaboration, asserting that such cooperation strengthens the security of both nations and stabilizes key regions. He emphasized an aim to intensify interaction between the Russian and Chinese armed forces. [CITATION: defense ministry]
Close contact
Xi Jinping affirmed frequent engagement with Putin during 2022, noting two in-person meetings and multiple phone conversations, underscoring ongoing strategic dialogue. China expressed readiness to expand strategic cooperation with Moscow amid a challenging and uncertain international environment. [CITATION: Chinese foreign ministry]
Xi stated that both countries would broaden strategic partnership and mutual development opportunities, aiming to become global partners for the benefit of their peoples. He described the framework of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction as showing resilience in the new period. [CITATION: Beijing press office]
New visit
Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Moscow for the spring of 2023 was discussed, with Putin inviting him for an official visit next spring and describing bilateral relations as a central political event of the year. The leaders agreed that intense bilateral exchanges would continue into the following year. [CITATION: diplomatic briefing]