CNN reported on the 15th (local time) that the number of stores specializing in Russian products in China is steadily increasing. According to CNN, thousands of stores dealing with Russian products have opened across China in recent years. This phenomenon has been particularly pronounced since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In addition to importing Russian oil, gas, and coal at the government level, food products like Russian ice cream, biscuits, and powdered milk are also gaining popularity in China.
According to Chinese authorities, over 2,500 new corporations related to Russian goods trade have registered in China since 2022. About half of these were registered last year. Approximately 80% of the new corporations are operating as popup stores until March, aiming to make money from the Russian product boom. Most of the corporations handling Russian products are headquartered in Heilongjiang Province, a northeastern region bordering Russia.
According to the Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik, more than 300 Russia-based corporations have joined Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao by April 2023. The Russian Export Center has also held a 'Made in Russia Festival and Fair' in Shenyang and Dalian in Liaoning Province, northeastern China. Over 150 Russian companies participated in the event for a week, selling $2.3 million (approximately 3.3 billion won) worth of Russian products to Chinese consumers both online and offline. Similar fairs have been held three more times in places like Chengdu.
This also signifies that China has become an economic lifeline for Russia, which is under Western sanctions. While Russia is engaged in war with Ukraine, China and Russia have grown closer than ever. This is because both countries do not agree with the U.S.-led global order. A poll released last year by Tsinghua University's Center for International Security Strategy indicated that 66% of respondents held a 'very favorable' or 'somewhat favorable' view of Russia, while about 76% reported being 'unfavorable' toward the United States.
However, while the number of Russian products is exponentially increasing, a survey by local Chinese media indicates that many food products, such as bread and powdered milk marked with Russian brands, are manufactured in China. Consequently, Chinese authorities have started monitoring advertisements. The Russian Embassy in China recently issued a statement warning against products disguised as Russian, stating, 'These products are sold as if they are produced in Russia because they are labeled in Russian.'