How the Ukraine war brought China and Russia closer together

As countries around the world impose sanctions on Russia following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, it is evident that Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a strong ally to Putin. Despite the sanctions, trade between Russia and China has reached record levels, with Russia increasing its imports of key commodities from China. The United States has accused China of enabling Russia’s defense industry, while China defends its trade with Russia as normal bilateral relations. Russia’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2023, thanks in part to its closer ties with China. The two countries have surpassed their target of $200 billion in two-way trade by 2024 ahead of schedule. China has become Russia’s top trade partner, and Russia has become China’s main oil supplier. Western governments have raised concerns that China’s imports include dual-use goods with military applications. US and European leaders have urged China to restrict the delivery of these goods to Russia. Despite the conflict in Ukraine, Xi and Putin’s relationship has grown stronger, and they have met in person several times since the invasion.