China and Russia are stepping up their alliance as the West's increasing pressure on Moscow takes a toll on bilateral trade.
The US has imposed severe sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, Beijing has refused to back down from its long-standing friendship with Moscow. Instead, China is now vowing to join forces with Russia against what it sees as "unilateral sanctions."
For 15 consecutive years, China has been Russia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a staggering $245 billion in 2024 - a rise of 1.9 percent year-over-year. But the US pressure has started to bite, causing commerce between the two nations to slow down significantly.
The recent deterioration in ties is largely due to the actions of former US President Donald Trump, who was known for his tough stance on Russia. His administration's decision to impose sanctions and secondary tariffs has clearly had a profound impact on Moscow's economy.
Now, Beijing and Moscow are promising to work together more closely to counter these "unilateral sanctions." The idea is to create a united front against the West's increasing pressure, which both countries see as an attempt to undermine their sovereignty and interests.
However, it remains to be seen whether China and Russia can successfully weather this storm. Both nations face significant challenges in maintaining their economic ties with the US, while also keeping up appearances at home.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Beijing's refusal to back down from its friendship with Moscow sends a powerful message about the limits of Western pressure. But whether China and Russia can ultimately succeed in defending themselves against this pressure remains to be seen.
The US has imposed severe sanctions and secondary tariffs on Russia, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, Beijing has refused to back down from its long-standing friendship with Moscow. Instead, China is now vowing to join forces with Russia against what it sees as "unilateral sanctions."
For 15 consecutive years, China has been Russia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a staggering $245 billion in 2024 - a rise of 1.9 percent year-over-year. But the US pressure has started to bite, causing commerce between the two nations to slow down significantly.
The recent deterioration in ties is largely due to the actions of former US President Donald Trump, who was known for his tough stance on Russia. His administration's decision to impose sanctions and secondary tariffs has clearly had a profound impact on Moscow's economy.
Now, Beijing and Moscow are promising to work together more closely to counter these "unilateral sanctions." The idea is to create a united front against the West's increasing pressure, which both countries see as an attempt to undermine their sovereignty and interests.
However, it remains to be seen whether China and Russia can successfully weather this storm. Both nations face significant challenges in maintaining their economic ties with the US, while also keeping up appearances at home.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Beijing's refusal to back down from its friendship with Moscow sends a powerful message about the limits of Western pressure. But whether China and Russia can ultimately succeed in defending themselves against this pressure remains to be seen.