On his current visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin has met Chinese administration representatives and has signed a number of contracts related to development of infrastructure, trade and innovation. Volume of trade between the two countries has actually dropped recently. Russia hopes that the Chinese will invest more in Russia and buy more Russian gas, oil and military material.
It is a question if Russia and China succeed to implement all planned projects. Russia fears growing China’s power and the Chinese insist on very tough negotiating terms during meetings. On the other hand, both countries try to develop a strategic partnership so that they can better compete with the US. Russia has been more actively trying to deepen ties with China because of the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union after the Crimea annexation.
-tk-