Andrey Kortunov, Academic Director from Russian International Affairs Council spoke to CGTN Europe on Putin’s visit to China.
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00:00 Well, let's talk now to Andrei Kortunov, who's academic director of the Russian International Affairs Council. Welcome to the program. Good to see you.
00:07 So this the first overseas visit from Putin since he started his new term as president. How significant is this?
00:14 Well, first of all, of course, it's a matter of courtesy because Chairman Xi made his first overseas
00:22 trip to Moscow a year ago and
00:24 Putin has to pay in kind to that. It is important also
00:30 practically because
00:32 China stands out as the most important strategic partner of the Russian Federation.
00:37 The two countries are members to a number of
00:41 institutions like BRICS or Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They often vote
00:47 unanimously within the United Nations Security Council where both of them are primary members.
00:53 So there are many reasons for Putin to select Beijing as his first destination.
00:59 So how important are the economic links between the two countries? How important is China for Russia?
01:05 Well, China is now the prime economic partner for the Russian Federation.
01:13 It accounts for approximately one third of the overall
01:18 Russian foreign trade. In terms of Russia's imports, this share is even higher.
01:23 Maybe it is close to 40 percent right now.
01:27 And in some areas China is clearly dominating Russian imports.
01:32 For instance, if you take the imports of cars to Russia, last year
01:38 China was able to provide
01:40 Russia with about
01:43 900,000 cars, which is clearly a very significant record.
01:48 There's been some discussion between the two about the war in Ukraine, both calling for a political solution.
01:56 How does Russia see China's role in this?
01:59 Well, first of all, we should
02:02 take into account that China's plan for peace in Ukraine is not a roadmap.
02:09 It's not a detailed proposal on stages
02:13 that should lead to a political settlement. However, it is very important for Russia
02:18 and for President Putin in particular, that China takes a comprehensive approach to the Ukrainian crisis.
02:26 That it agrees with the Kremlin that it's not just about the relations between Russia and Ukraine.
02:32 It's also about relations between Russia and the West. And a comprehensive settlement should take into account legitimate
02:39 security interests of the Russian Federation. I think this is what they are likely to emphasize in Moscow.
02:45 Some have seen the relationship between China and Russia as a counterpoint to the West, if you like. Is that how it's being positioned?
02:54 Well, it was stated that the partnership between
02:58 Russia and China is not aimed
03:02 against any other international players. That it has
03:07 its own raison d'etre and its own foundations. However, it's clear that both
03:13 countries have to face
03:16 pressure coming from the West, especially from the United States.
03:20 And that might be another reason for Beijing and Moscow to stay together.
03:24 Andrei, great to talk to you. Thank you for joining us today. That's Andrei Kortunov from the Russian International Affairs Council.
03:30 from the Russian International Affairs Council.
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