China-Russia Ties: FMs see countries' bond as possible example for world

World
Europe

02:44

Now to China-Russia relations. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi spent Monday in Russia, strengthening a bilateral relationship which shows greater signs of promise. This comes, just a month before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected as the guest of honor at Russia's flagship economic forum in St. Petersburg. Lucy Taylor has more from the venue of Monday's meeting in Sochi.

They have close positions on most international issues. So the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister could expect a warm welcome in Russia. But afterwards, Wang Yi went as far as to suggest the bond is so tight - it should be an example to the rest of the world.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "We need to ramp up co-operation, comply with international commitments in terms of peace and security and in this case Russian and Chinese cooperation is a role model for the international community."

SERGEY LAVROV RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "I'd like to support what my Chinese counterpart said on the importance of our nations to the future of the world. This is not just words. We need to take responsible action."

Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have shared everything from ice cream to ice hockey over the years.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "President Putin is a good friend to the Chinese people. And he is my closest friend."

And hosting the Russian president last month in Beijing, the Chinese leader called Putin his "best friend".

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "I cherish this sincere friendship."

But as China's trade war with the US heats up and Russia struggles under US sanctions, can they turn that bond into an economic advantage?

LUCY TAYLOR SOCHI, RUSSIA "China and Russia are turning to one another politically at a time when their relationships with Western countries are becoming increasingly difficult. But in practice, both still trade far more with the United States and the European Union than with each other."

Russian businesses are looking for opportunities to attract Chinese capital and sell their goods in the Chinese market. But they say it isn't always easy to compete with the rest of the world.

ANTON MIRONENKO RUSSIA-ASIA BUSINESS COUNCIL "If we take political relations between China and the United States, they are not on a good level, as they are between China and Russia. But Chinese businessmen, they prefer the United States, rather than Russia. So, you see that absolutely it doesn't depend on that."

China and Russia have made agreements in spheres from the military to space. But the challenge now is to turn a friendship between politicians, into one which brings more benefits to both their people. Lucy Taylor, CGTN, Sochi, Russia.