Ding Xuexiang Urges Closer China-Russia Far East Cooperation at Vladivostok Forum

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang addressed the plenary session of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, calling for deeper cross-border economic ties and strategic alignment between China and Russia. Ding underscored China's status as the Russian Far East's top trading partner, highlighting growing business participation in regional special economic zones and bilateral visa-free exchanges. He proposed linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, implementing updated bilateral investment treaties, and maintaining policy stability to facilitate long-term business investment.

Ding's appearance underscores Beijing's ongoing commitment to deepening comprehensive strategic ties with Moscow through subnational and regional economic integration. By reaffirming support for Russian Far East development and urging implementation of upgraded investment protection mechanisms, Beijing aims to solidify cross-border supply chains, energy corridors, and bilateral trade flows against broader geopolitical pressures.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the plenary session of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on September 3, delivering an address focused on expanding bilateral regional cooperation, according to Xinhua. Speaking under the theme of deepening subnational partnership to benefit both populations, Ding noted that the forum serves as an essential platform for international dialogue and joint development. He recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping had twice attended the forum at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, establishing Beijing's framework for Northeast Asian regional collaboration. According to Ding, regional cooperation between China's Northeast and the Russian Far East has yielded significant economic results under the strategic direction of both heads of state. China remains the largest trading partner of the Russian Far East. Ding noted that Chinese entities have actively participated in development initiatives across the region, with nearly 100 enterprises established in its special economic zones and free port. Key joint industrial projects are progressing, while mutual visa-free policies have stimulated border port trade and personal travel. Ding emphasized that repeated meetings between Xi and Putin throughout the year have provided strategic guidance for deepening the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. To advance regional engagement, Ding outlined specific priorities for bilateral collaboration. First, Ding called for promoting inclusive development by aligning the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, alongside pairing China's Northeast revitalization strategy with Russia's Far East development plans. He emphasized developing distinctive local industries to deliver practical economic gains to residents in border regions. Second, Ding stressed the necessity of fostering a stable business environment to facilitate corporate investment. He urged the thorough implementation of the revised China-Russia Investment Cooperation Outline and the upgraded bilateral agreement on the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, highlighting the importance of policy continuity and predictability for commercial operations.