China and Russia Celebrate Trade Success Amidst Western Sanctions

China's President Xi Jinping and Russia's Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met in Beijing, boasting about the surge in trade between the two countries, which has surpassed $200 billion in 11 months. As the West's attempts to economically isolate Russia over the Ukraine war falter, China has played a crucial role in keeping the Russian economy afloat by buying Russian oil and gas and selling consumer goods. China and Russia share a common goal of reducing US power and influence, and China's diplomatic backing of Russia in the conflict further supports this aim. However, Russia still faces economic challenges due to sanctions, including soaring inflation and a labor market crisis.