“Russia and China – strategic partners”

Russia and China are strategic partners rather than competitors, says Ekaterina Koldunova, a scholar of Asian and African Studies at the Moscow State University of International Relations.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing has led to the signing of a number of significant deals between the two countries, which shows that they are eager to form a powerful alliance.

“Current trade deals should be seen in the light of them corresponding to the vision of strategic partnership,” Koldunova said.

“Mutual trade has been significantly influenced by the world financial crisis and the current trade deals could improve the situation,” she added.