China, Russia plot course for Arctic cooperation, shipping routes to counter West | South China Morning Post
China and Russia have edged closer to a deal on shipping routes in the Arctic, with both countries looking to expand economic cooperation to counter Western pressure.
It was part of a bigger pledge that their nations would consolidate traditional partnerships in oil and gas production while developing cooperation in emerging sectors such as science and technology and the digital economy.
“Both sides resolutely defend their legitimate rights and interests and oppose any attempt to obstruct the normal development of bilateral relations, interfere in the internal affairs of the two countries, and restrict the economic, technological and international space of the two countries.”
In the communique, both sides also pledged support for their mutual sovereignty. While Russia said it opposed any form of independence for Taiwan, Beijing said it supported Russia’s territorial integrity.
Li is visiting Russia for the annual meeting between the two heads of government before travelling to Belarus. He was also received by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.
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The meeting came as both China and Russia seek to make their economies more resilient in the face of Western pressure over Beijing’s growing international influence and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has increasingly looked to China to help develop an Arctic sea route that could cut its shipping time to Asia by almost half, as the sanctions-hit economy continues to rely heavily on its Asian trade partners.
Beijing has maintained close trade ties with Moscow during the war, with several Chinese companies being sanctioned by the US and Europe for allegedly transferring dual-use goods that have strengthened Russia’s defence base.
Russia and North Korea were believed to be hesitant about opening the waterway for Beijing, worrying that it could further expand its influence in the region. Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have grown closer after Pyongyang allegedly provided weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Beijing is thought to be wary about being drawn into a trilateral axis with Russia and North Korea as it remains engaged with Western countries, which view alliances between the three nations as potential threats.
On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that US President Joe Biden had ordered US forces to prepare for possible coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China and North Korea over their nuclear capabilities. In response, Beijing criticised Washington for being the world’s “biggest creator of nuclear threats”.
Mishustin and Li also signed a protocol for the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Russian Joint Institute for Nuclear Research to jointly fund cooperative research projects.
While meeting with Putin, Li said China would work with Russia to develop more cooperation opportunities in the fields of science and technology.
“China is willing to work with Russia … to pay more attention to using scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation to drive cooperation, and constantly cultivate new economic growth points,” Li said.