{"id":38401,"date":"2026-10-23T07:49:34","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T04:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/?p=38401"},"modified":"2026-10-23T07:51:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T04:51:53","slug":"china-and-russia-discuss-expanding-cooperation-in-ai-space-and-digital-economy-as-li-qiang-meets-putin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/china-and-russia-discuss-expanding-cooperation-in-ai-space-and-digital-economy-as-li-qiang-meets-putin\/","title":{"rendered":"China and Russia discuss expanding cooperation in AI, space and digital economy as Li Qiang meets Putin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>7 minute read<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and technological cooperation during a meeting in St. Petersburg on October 21, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their talks followed the 31st regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, co-chaired by Li and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin earlier that day, at which both sides agreed to advance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, space and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The meeting comes as China and Russia seek to maintain stable economic and political relations amid growing international uncertainty. Both leaders described their partnership as based on mutual respect, shared interests and practical cooperation, while emphasizing the need to translate agreements reached at the highest level into concrete results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin welcomed Li at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg and asked him to convey his greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Russian president noted that he and Xi had held several meetings this year and were expected to meet again at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin said their recent discussions had produced important agreements on developing the Russia-China comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized that the two governments were responsible for implementing those agreements and ensuring that political commitments resulted in progress across key areas of cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Russian president also highlighted the importance of the regular meeting mechanism between the two countries\u2019 heads of government, established in 1996. He said the mechanism had demonstrated its effectiveness over three decades by supporting the implementation of agreements between the two leaders and advancing practical cooperation.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-video\" data-media-max-width=\"800\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3  Russian President Vladimir Putin met Chinese Premier Li Qiang immediately after holding talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff. https:\/\/t.co\/dDDoWtHH0y<\/p>&mdash; DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/DD_Geopolitics\/status\/2112908826299056423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">October 21, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>Putin described bilateral relations as developing successfully and said they were based on equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and consideration for each country&#8217;s interests. He added that the partnership was not directed against any third country and would continue regardless of changes in the international situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Trade and Energy Remain Central to Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Economic cooperation remained a major focus of the discussions, with both sides seeking to expand trade and investment while making better use of the complementary strengths of their economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to China&#8217;s Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached $227.9 billion in 2025, remaining above $200 billion for the third consecutive year. China retained its position as Russia&#8217;s largest trading partner for the 16th consecutive year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trade continued to grow in 2026, with Chinese customs data showing that bilateral trade reached approximately $185.05 billion during the first eight months of the year, an increase of 28.4 percent compared with the same period in 2025. Russian exports to China totalled $100.37 billion, while Chinese exports to Russia reached $84.68 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">China&#8217;s exports to Russia include automobiles, machinery, home appliances and other manufactured products, while Russia supplies China with energy, minerals and agricultural goods. Both countries are seeking to expand cooperation beyond traditional trade and develop additional opportunities in investment, transportation, finance and industrial production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin said the two countries would continue working together in energy, information technology, space exploration and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. He also highlighted agricultural trade, reporting that turnover in agricultural products had increased by 34 percent during the first eight months of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Li said China was ready to strengthen practical cooperation in energy and natural resources, trade, investment and transportation. He stressed that the two economies could benefit from their complementary strengths and that closer cooperation should produce tangible results for both countries.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?resize=1016%2C626&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaking during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia\" class=\"wp-image-38412\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?resize=1024%2C631&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?resize=300%2C185&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?resize=768%2C474&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-in-Russia.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaking during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 21, 2026. (Image Credit: Alexander Demianchuk\/TASS\/via Kremlin)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cooperation in Emerging Technologies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 31st regular meeting between the heads of government provided a framework for advancing cooperation across established industries and emerging technological sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Li and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reviewed reports from bilateral bodies responsible for investment, energy, humanitarian affairs and regional cooperation. These included the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the intergovernmental mechanism covering cooperation between Northeast China and Russia&#8217;s Far East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both governments assessed the work of these committees over the past year and reaffirmed the importance of political guidance from their respective leaders in maintaining the momentum of bilateral relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two sides identified artificial intelligence, biotechnology and the digital economy as areas with potential to generate new opportunities. They also agreed to advance cooperation in aerospace, science and technology, finance, industry and connectivity, alongside established economic sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the meeting, Li and Mishustin signed a joint communique. The two sides also concluded additional cooperation documents covering areas including trade and the economy, space, science and technology, and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Education and Cultural Exchanges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both governments also emphasized the importance of educational, cultural and social exchanges in supporting their wider relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin highlighted the Cross Years of Russia-China Cooperation in Education, officially launched by the Russian and Chinese presidents in Beijing in May. He said activities under the initiative were progressing successfully and welcomed further efforts to strengthen humanitarian cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"572\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?resize=1016%2C572&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang tour the Catherine Palace in the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum-Reserve near St. Petersburg, Russia\" class=\"wp-image-38415\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Russian-Prime-Minister-Mikhail-Mishustin-Chinese-Premier-Li-Qiang.jpg?w=1312&amp;ssl=1 1312w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang tour the Catherine Palace in the Tsarskoye Selo State Museum-Reserve near St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 20, 2026. (Image Credit: The Russian Government)<\/sup><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Li likewise called for the two countries to ensure the initiative&#8217;s success and expand exchanges in culture, tourism, sports and youth affairs. Both sides view these activities as a way to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen long-term ties between their populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two governments also intend to encourage cooperation between local authorities and maintain exchanges through educational and cultural institutions. These efforts complement economic cooperation by creating additional channels for contact beyond central government institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The talks also reflected the two countries&#8217; shared interest in closer coordination on international affairs. Li said that unilateralism and hegemonism were contributing to an increasingly complex global environment, describing the China-Russia relationship as a stabilizing factor amid international uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said Beijing was prepared to work with Moscow to strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political trust and coordinate positions on major international issues. Li also called for closer cooperation through multilateral platforms, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, as well as efforts to bring together countries of the Global South to protect their common interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The joint communique issued after the government-level meeting reaffirmed support for the United Nations-centered international system and an international order based on international law. Both sides also opposed dividing the world into rival blocs and called for international relations founded on cooperation among sovereign states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two countries have repeatedly presented their relationship as a partnership based on non-alliance, non-confrontation, and the principle of not targeting third parties. These principles are also reflected in the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, signed 25 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Putin said Russia would continue developing practical cooperation with China and supported Beijing&#8217;s role in international forums. He also expressed support for China&#8217;s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders&#8217; Meeting in November and its planned BRICS chairmanship in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1016\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?resize=1016%2C582&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg, Russia\" class=\"wp-image-38413\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?resize=1024%2C587&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?resize=300%2C172&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?resize=768%2C440&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1016px) 100vw, 1016px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><sup>Russian President Vladimir Putin meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in St. Petersburg, Russia, on October 21, 2026. (Image Credit: Kristina Solovyova\/RIA Novosti\/via Kremlin)<\/sup><\/em><br><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br><strong>Turning Agreements into Action<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese Premier Li&#8217;s visit to Russia and the government-level meeting demonstrated the importance both countries place on maintaining regular high-level contact and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The discussions covered established areas such as trade, energy and agriculture, while identifying emerging technologies and industrial cooperation as additional priorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next stage will depend on how effectively the two governments implement the agreements reached by their leaders and the commitments outlined in the joint communique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With trade, investment, education, and multilateral coordination all included in their agenda, Moscow and Beijing are seeking to sustain the momentum of their partnership while navigating an increasingly uncertain international environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian President Putin discussed strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic and technological cooperation during a meeting in St. Petersburg. Their talks followed the meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, co-chaired by Li and Russian Prime Minister Mishustin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38414,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[124,62,1],"tags":[137,380,45,208,134,152,357,71,401,20,245,235,296],"class_list":["post-38401","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia-pacific","category-europe","category-news","tag-asia","tag-asia-pacific","tag-china","tag-diplomacy","tag-economy","tag-energy","tag-europe","tag-politics","tag-putin","tag-russia","tag-space","tag-technology","tag-trade"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7jJWb-9Zn","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/China-Li-Qiang-Russia-Putin-meeting.jpg?fit=690%2C370&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38401","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38401"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38401\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38421,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38401\/revisions\/38421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38401"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38401"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ir-ia.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38401"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}