Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow became the biggest event in the life of the country. They did not expect any special intrigues from him: the heads of states presented theses in advance on the pages of the state media. But many questions remain.
First of all, the riddle of Russian energy carriers is hidden behind textbook formulations for the growth of trade turnover. In addition to the pipeline, China receives oil by tankers, about the business of which little is known. By the size of the discount, one could guess how strong the Russian-Chinese friendship is.
Its symbol could have been the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline, but no breakthroughs occurred as a result of the meeting. Putin says that the parameters have been agreed, Xi did not mention the gas pipeline at all in his speech. They have been trying to design the pipe for the third year, but the construction never started due to differences in prices.
Another alarming signal: Beijing is cautious, treating Moscow without condemnation, but also without warm approval. This can be seen with regard to voting in the UN. The Kremlin, on the contrary, shows loyalty. Putin even proposes to switch to yuan in all payments with foreign companies - even in Africa. Probably, they also need Chinese currency very much.
Meanwhile, in Russia, the turn towards China touched even domestic issues. The mass media write about the growing demand for tourist visas, although earlier such a route was typical for entrepreneurs. Active integration of the renminbi is underway: if you believe the "Finam" survey, out of all those who save in foreign currency, almost every fifth person prefers Chinese money.
On the one hand, the Kremlin's maneuver can be understood. Not many partners in the West, trading platforms are closed. You can't not sell oil, you can't sell at a loss either. It is necessary to reduce production again, but there is no noticeable effect. But China seems to realize: this is not its headache now. The logic is as follows: did not join the hostile restrictions - thank you.
Disappointing conclusion: growing dependence on Eastern partners is no different from close ties with the West. This is the law of any market: diversification insures against risks. In Russia, there was already a debate about economic sovereignty: then the Minister of Finance, Anton Siluanov, said that it meant "living within your means and not walking around with an outstretched hand." Meanwhile, the budget deficit exceeded the annual limit in just three months.
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