As if the falling ruble, crippling sanctions and plunging oil prices weren’t a bad enough combination for Russian President Vladimir Putin, now his most important ally, China, is facing serious economic problems of its own.
Putin is in China this week for a World War II commemoration ceremony and for talks with his counterpart, Xi Jinping. The focus of the trip, according to the Kremlin, is to discuss trade and economic issues. Both are big priorities for Russia and China right now. Trade between them has dropped about 29 percent this year, according to investment data firm FactSet.
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Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer told CNBC that Russia is becoming more dependent on the Chinese economy, which he called a “dangerous proposition for Moscow given the uncertainty and volatility of China’s long term trajectory.”
“In the near term, announcements of Chinese investment and trade have had more political meaning for Putin (undermining U.S. sanctions) than translating into huge concrete investment and trade,” Bremmer said.
“Beijing is going to drive a hard commercial bargain with the Russians, made even more challenging by China’s stalled demand for oil, gas and other key Russian commodities.”
Edward Mermelstein, a New York attorney who advises high net worth individuals in Russia and the former Soviet Union, told CNBC his clients are less concerned about China and more worried about whether Russia will eventually pivot back toward the West.
“No matter how hard they try, both (Russia and China) are on a downward slide,” Mermelstein said. China is experiencing its slowest economic growth in 25 years, and Russia’s economy is shrinking. “There is no substitute for re-engaging with the West and removing all sanctions. It’s the best thing for Russia, Europe and the U.S.”
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