President Vladimir Putin simultaneously celebrated a massive $100 billion trade boom with China and condemned the economic policies of the West in remarks made ahead of the SCO Summit. This dual focus highlights Russia’s strategy of deepening Eastern partnerships while resisting Western pressure.
Putin declared China as “by far Russia’s leading partner,” emphasizing the rapid growth in trade volume since 2021. This flourishing economic relationship, which has seen Russia become China’s fifth-largest trading partner, forms the backbone of their strategic alliance.
In stark contrast, he lashed out at US and EU sanctions, calling them “discriminatory” and detrimental to global development. He stressed that Moscow and Beijing are united in their opposition to these measures, viewing them as an illegitimate tool of coercion in international affairs.
This narrative of Eastern opportunity versus Western obstruction will be central to Russia’s message in Tianjin. By showcasing the tangible benefits of its partnership with China, including the move to trade in national currencies, Putin aims to persuade other nations of the merits of a “multipolar” approach to global relations.