China and Russia are boosting their cooperation in several fields, including agriculture, science, and technology. They have developed a wide range of technologies in the latter area, from anti-contamination systems and water treatment to drones and robots. In the future, the two countries should jointly promote a new generation of innovative technologies that meet their industries’ needs and can improve manufacturing processes’ efficiency and boost productivity.
Moreover, the two countries should promote cooperation in cultural and educational affairs to foster close contact between young people and develop regular ties between the people of both nations. This can help further deepen China’s comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and enhance political mutual trust.
As a critical exporter to Russia and an investor in the country’s economy, China should promote cooperation between the two neighbors. To this end, the Chinese government should take measures to facilitate bilateral trade and investment and reduce the barriers that hamper bilateral economic development.
For example, the government should further open its domestic market to foreign companies, particularly in sectors favored by Russian investors, such as energy and transport infrastructure. It should also allow local currencies in bilateral trade settlements, which could help circumvent international sanctions on Russia’s financial sector and reduce transaction costs for both sides.
In aerospace, the two countries should further explore and develop cooperation in satellite navigation technologies and the development of joint space missions. Launching a Chinese-Russian satellite would provide a valuable platform for exchanging and disseminating scientific information. Similarly, the two countries should jointly work on projects to research and develop high-quality and affordable aircraft that can fly long distances and meet safety requirements.
Overall, the meeting between Putin and Xi will likely allow both leaders to demonstrate the strength of their “no limits” partnership in challenging the Western-dominated world order. The meeting comes amid a growing threat to regional stability in the Middle East, first from Russia’s ground invasion of Ukraine that has defied Western pressure for Moscow to pull back. Israel’s war against Hamas threatens to escalate into a regional conflict that could have far-reaching implications.
As such, the meeting will also reveal whether Beijing is ready to reaffirm its self-proclaimed “neutral position” on Ukraine or if it is prepared to provide more lethal aid to Moscow that may result in even more significant costs for Ukraine’s troops and civilian population. Fyodor Lukyanov is the Director of Research at Valdai International Discussion Club. He wrote this article on behalf of the organization. He has disclosed no competing interests. This article has been edited for length and clarity.
