Editor's note: Sergey Sanakoev is the president of the Asia-Pacific Region Research Center, head of the Russian-Chinese Analytical Center, and member of the Russian International Affairs Council. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
Since the development plan of the Russian Far East was announced by President Vladimir Putin as a priority state task, the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok has become the main platform for the creation and progress of a business climate in the region.
A view of the Far East Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia ./Xinhua Photo
It is there that dozens of international companies plan to cooperate, forming numerous links between Russia and the fast-growing markets of the Asia-Pacific Region.
This year, Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the forum. This gives the event a special political significance considering the novel situation in the world.
Perhaps it is not coincidental that as the summit gets underway in Vladivostok, joint military exercises of unprecedented scale, dubbed the "East - 2018", are also taking place in the city. Yet, the forum is primarily economic.
And it is the economic agenda that will determine the topics of discussion between the Russian and Chinese participants at the forum. This year a record level of trade turnover is expected – more than 100 billion US dollars.
Along the way, such tasks as diversification of trade, an increase of investment cooperation and expansion of inter-regional cooperation are going to be tackled.
At the same time, both parties are involved in another pair of tasks – the alignment of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union construction, and the transition in mutual payments between the countries into national currencies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks at the plenary session of the third Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on September 7, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
Given the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Russia, it is safe to say that the summit in Vladivostok is set for success.
Both China and Russia will once again demonstrate to the world that they are not afraid of trade wars and tariffs declared on them. The two countries have all the necessary resources for stable development and they "stand back-to-back to guard sovereign interests".
This does not threaten the interests of other countries.
On the contrary, in their interaction, China and Russia are open to cooperation with all countries that are ready to share their ideals of a just polycentric world. A world where free trade is possible from Lisbon to Guangzhou.
(If you want to contribute and have a specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)