Overview

• In a lengthy Q&A with China’s Xinhua published on Aug. 30, Vladimir Putin set the stage for his China visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meetings in Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 and his attendance at the Sept. 3 Tiananmen parade.
• Putin said Russia–China economic ties have reached an unprecedented level, citing about $100 billion growth in bilateral trade since 2021 and cumulative Power of Siberia gas deliveries surpassing 100 billion cubic meters.
• He announced plans for a new Far East gas route to start in 2027 and highlighted cooperation on liquefied natural gas projects in Russia’s Arctic.
• Framing Russia–China coordination as a stabilizing force, he said their work has positively influenced the G20 and APEC and praised efforts by the Global South, noting South Africa’s G20 presidency.
• He criticized what he called steps toward remilitarization in Europe, including Germany, and a revival of Japanese militarism, while praising Xi Jinping as a true leader with strategic vision.