China urges deeper trade ties with Russia despite Western rebuke

Beijing has rejected Western criticism of its growing partnership with Moscow in light of Russia’s war on Ukraine. It insists the ties do not flout international norms, and China has the prerogative to collaborate with whichever country it chooses.

China on Tuesday urged increased cross-border connectivity with Russia and deeper mutual trade and investment cooperation, as both allies vowed ever closer economic ties despite disapproval from the West after Russian forces invaded Ukraine last year.