By Reality CheckBBC News
Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping is meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on his first trip to Russia since its invasion of Ukraine.
China has become an increasingly important trading partner for Russia as it seeks to soften the impact of economic sanctions imposed by some countries in response to its invasion.
The United States has said Beijing is considering supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia, allegations which China strongly denies.
Is China providing Russia with weapons?
China has been expanding its military production capabilities and is now the world's fourth largest arms exporter.
"China's weapons are getting more advanced now," says Siemon Wezeman from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
"Its drones, for example, are one area that Russia would be very interested in."
The US says Chinese firms have already provided "non-lethal support" to Russia, and that it has new information suggesting Beijing could soon provide "lethal support".
Maria Shagina, an expert in economic sanctions at the International Institute of Strategic Studies, says China has not overtly supplied Russia with weapons but may be secretly selling it hi-tech products which could be used for military purposes.
"There is evidence that China is the biggest exporter of semiconductors - often through shell companies in Hong Kong and the UAE - to Russia," she says.
"Some Chinese companies are also supplying civilian drones, exploiting the grey space between military and civilian purposes."
The US-based Center for Advanced Defense Studies says Chinese companies may be sending Russia electronic parts for anti-aircraft missile radars.
The US has also imposed sanctions on a Chinese company which Washington says has provided satellite imagery in support of Russian mercenary forces fighting in Ukraine.
Russia's most important trading partner
After Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, Western nations imposed strict sanctions on Russia - banning imports of oil and exports of hi-tech products.
Many Western firms cut their connections with Russia entirely, and its trade with the US, UK, and EU countries slumped over the course of 2022.
However, China's overall trade with Russia hit a record high level of $190bn in 2022 - a 30% increase on the year before.
Russian imports from China increased 13% to $76bn and its exports to China increased by 43% to $114bn.
As Russia's trade with Western countries plunged in 2022, China became, by far and away, its most important trading partner.
How much oil and gas is China buying from Russia?
Almost half of all the Russian government's annual revenues come from oil and gas, and its sales to EU countries has plummeted over the past year as sanctions bite.
A significant amount of this shortfall has been made up with increased sales to Asia.
Russia exported twice as much liquid petroleum gas (LPG) to China in 2022 than it did the year before. It also delivered 50% more natural gas via the Power of Siberia pipeline, and 10% more crude oil.
The G7 group of economically developed countries, along with the European Union and Australia, has tried to impose a worldwide cap on the price of Russian oil transported by sea, but China has refused to comply and buys Russian crude at market prices.
Getty Images
There are also longer term plans to expand energy ties.
The two countries have agreed to build a new gas pipeline (the Power of Siberia 2). The existing one began operation in 2019, under a 30-year contract worth more than $400bn.
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As an expert in geopolitics, international relations, and the intersection of economic alliances, I possess a depth of knowledge in analyzing global events and economic dynamics. My expertise encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical landscape, trade relations, sanctions, and the strategic alliances between nations, which allows me to provide insights into the intricate dynamics shaping global affairs.
Regarding the article you provided, it delves into the recent meeting between Presidents Putin and Xi, addressing the growing partnership between China and Russia amidst the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent economic sanctions imposed by Western nations. This meeting highlights the evolving relationship between these two powerful nations and its implications for various sectors.
Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Presidents Putin and Xi Meeting: This refers to the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meeting aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries amid Russia's conflict with Ukraine and increasing economic sanctions from the West.
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China-Russia Relations amid Ukraine Conflict: The article discusses how China has become an essential trading partner for Russia, especially in light of economic sanctions imposed by Western countries following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Military Support Allegations: There are allegations that China might be considering supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia. The United States accuses China of providing non-lethal and potentially lethal support to Russia, although China vehemently denies these claims.
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Trade Relations: Despite sanctions from Western nations, China has significantly increased its trade with Russia. In 2022, trade between the two countries reached a record high of $190 billion, indicating China's growing importance as Russia's primary trading partner.
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Oil and Gas Trade: Almost half of Russia's annual revenues come from oil and gas sales, with China increasingly becoming a significant buyer. This has compensated for the decrease in sales to European countries due to sanctions.
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Energy Deals: Russia and China have long-term plans to expand their energy ties, exemplified by agreements to build new pipelines, like the Power of Siberia 2, in addition to the existing ones.
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Sanctions and Global Impact: The article touches on the impact of sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia's economy, prompting shifts in trade alliances and reliance on other nations like China.
In summary, the article sheds light on the complex interplay between geopolitics, trade, military dynamics, and alliances in the context of the Ukraine conflict and the response from various global actors, with a particular emphasis on China's role in supporting Russia amidst sanctions.
