In a written interview with China's Xinhua News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the deepening partnership between the two nations. Putin stated that bilateral trade has increased by approximately $100 billion since 2021, and a growing share of transactions are now conducted in their national currencies, the ruble and yuan, moving away from the dollar and euro.
The interview focused on key areas of cooperation, including energy, with Russia remaining a major supplier of natural gas to China. Putin also pointed to increased collaboration in agriculture, industry, and high-tech infrastructure projects. He emphasized strong cultural ties, citing significant numbers of students studying in both countries.
On international affairs, the Russian leader underscored Russia and China's shared opposition to attempts to "distort the history of WWII," and he described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "true leader of a great world power." Putin also reaffirmed the countries' commitment to a "fairer multipolar world order" through organizations like the SCO and BRICS, and their support for UN reform.