Russia Strengthens Ties with China Ahead of U.S. Talks

HANGZHOU, China — Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Hangzhou on November 3, 2025, to engage in high-level discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This visit comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping where the leaders discussed significant trade issues.

The two-day meeting is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, agriculture, and space. “Our relations have reached their highest level in history, despite challenges presented by Western sanctions,” Mishustin proclaimed, referring to the U.S. opposition to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

In response, Premier Li expressed China’s readiness to enhance relations with Russia, albeit mentioning unspecified external obstacles. According to TASS, Li emphasized the longstanding friendship and reliable partnership between the two nations.

China plays a vital role for Russia, especially following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Throughout the ongoing conflict, China has refrained from criticizing Russia, often echoing Moscow’s narrative by describing the situation as a “crisis.”u200B 

Mishustin’s delegation includes top officials from key sectors such as finance, agriculture, and nuclear energy, underlining the importance of this diplomatic mission. Moscow’s keen interest in strengthening ties comes in the wake of Trump’s cancellation of a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing dissatisfaction with progress on the Ukraine issue.

This move may signal Russia’s unease with China’s positive engagement with the United States, especially as Western tensions with Russia escalate. As the two countries aim to solidify their alliance, military activities and geopolitical strategies continue to evolve in the complex landscape of international relations.

Days before Mishustin’s arrival, Trump’s meeting with Xi had been characterized as constructive. The U.S. President suggested that trade relations were improving, promising tariff reductions on certain Chinese imports.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s ongoing conflict remains unresolved, with both nations caught in a web of diplomatic negotiations while preparing for uncertain futures.