Russia, China sign 20 documents on economy, energy cooperation

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 20 documents covering economy, energy and transport during bilateral talks in Beijing on Wednesday, adopting a joint statement on deepening comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation. The two leaders also approved a declaration on forming a multipolar world and establishing a new type of international relations, cementing their commitment to reshaping global governance structures away from Western-dominated frameworks.

Shielding trade from external pressure

Speaking at a news conference following the summit, Putin emphasized that Moscow and Beijing had constructed a stable bilateral trade system insulated from external pressure and volatility in global markets. He explained that conducting trade in rubles and yuan helps shield economic cooperation from outside influence and ensures long-term sustainability in commercial ties. "The coordinated steps taken by Russia and China to shift settlements between them, between our countries as a whole, to national currencies have been of great significance," Putin said, adding that virtually all Russian-Chinese export-import operations are now carried out in these currencies.

Energy supplies and tourism growth

Putin confirmed that Russia remains prepared to continue uninterrupted deliveries of oil and gas to China, while state nuclear corporation Rosatom advances construction of new power units at Chinese nuclear plants as part of broader civilian atomic cooperation. He further noted positive outcomes from the bilateral visa-free regime, citing tourism statistics that showed more than 2 million Russians visited China and over 1 million Chinese tourists traveled to Russia during 2025. The agreements signed Wednesday build upon decades of deepening ties between the neighboring powers as they seek to counterbalance Western economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.