Topic analysis

How China became Russia's economic lifeline

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Beijing for high-level talks with Xi Jinping, timed to mark the 25th anniversary of the two countries' cooperation treaty, as China has become Russia's critical economic lifeline amid Western sanctions imposed after Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. China has provided Russia with vital hard currency via discounted fossil fuel purchases, replaced Western suppliers with machinery, electronics, and dual-use goods that sustain Russia's defense industry, supported de-dollarization efforts (with over 99% of bilateral trade now settled in rubles and yuan), and discussions are expected on expanding energy pipelines like the stalled Power of Siberia 2, though this growing dependence leaves Moscow increasingly vulnerable to Beijing's priorities.