Overview
- The Russian prime minister is holding a heads-of-government meeting with Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou before talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday.
- The Kremlin has labeled the trip very important as both sides prioritize long-term cooperation across trade, energy, transport, industry, agriculture and advanced technology.
- Officials highlighted outcomes from a Ningbo commission meeting that included growth in Russian copper and nickel exports to China along with broader access for farm goods.
- Recent customs data show volatility in bilateral commerce, with China’s renminbi-denominated exports to Russia plunging year on year in September while imports from Russia returned to growth.
- Both governments frame the agenda within their 2022 'no limits' partnership, with Chinese diplomats pledging deeper coordination and Russian officials emphasizing industrial and technological linkages.