Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to China took place right after Donald Trump’s meeting with the Chinese leader, which caused concern in Moscow about a possible warming of relations between the United States and China.
Russia is trying to maintain economic ties with China, as it fears that the rapprochement of the United States and China could affect Russian-Chinese cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.
Why Mishustin rushed to China right after Trump
After Donald Trump’s meeting with the Chinese leader in Beijing, another high-profile event took place – the arrival of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. His visit to China raised questions about the Kremlin’s true motives and future agreements between the countries.
Political scientist, Americanist, candidate of historical sciences Alexandra Filipenko noted on Channel 24 that Russia is closely monitoring the warming between Washington and Beijing. She suggested that such dynamics could be a “bad sign for Moscow”.
How is Russia reacting to the rapprochement between the US and China?
After Donald Trump’s meeting with the Chinese leader in Moscow, there was concern about a possible warming between Washington and Beijing. The Kremlin fears that a new trade truce could weaken its position in Asia and force China to reduce cooperation with the Russian economy. That is why Mishustin’s visit was a demonstration of loyalty and an attempt to maintain the partnership.
Russia does not want relations between the US and China to improve, because this would be a negative signal for Moscow,
the political scientist explained.
The Kremlin is trying to maintain strategic influence in the region, using visits by high-ranking officials as a signal of political support for China. Moscow is demonstrating that it is ready to deepen the partnership, even despite the risks to its own economy.
The Kremlin is rushing to contain China economically
Russia is trying to convince Beijing to remain a reliable partner, because it is the Chinese market that helps it circumvent sanctions and sell energy resources. The Kremlin fears that Washington will pressure China to reduce imports of Russian oil and investments in joint projects. Moscow understands that any rapprochement between the United States and China could weaken its economic capabilities.
After signing a trade agreement with China, the United States will, of course, begin to pressure Beijing to buy less Russian oil and invest less in the Russian economy,
Filippenko emphasized.
That is why the Russian government is rushing to strengthen economic ties with China and demonstrate its political commitment. The Kremlin wants to make sure that Beijing will continue to be its close ally in the region.
Why is it “very important” for Moscow not to lose influence in Asia?
After Donald Trump’s trip to Asia, the Kremlin has stepped up diplomatic efforts in the region. Russia is seeking to show that it remains an important partner for China and other Asian states. Mishustin’s visit was intended to be a confirmation of this presence and an attempt to strengthen trust while the United States expands its influence.
It is very important for Moscow that China remains its ally, buys Russian oil, resources and continues to sell everything Russia needs,
the political scientist emphasized.
Thus, the Kremlin is trying to maintain a balance in relations with Beijing, fearing that China’s excessive rapprochement with Washington could isolate Russia in the Asian direction. That is why Mishustin rushed to Beijing immediately after the American president.
