CNN reported on the 15th (local time) that stores specializing in Russian products are increasing in China. According to CNN, thousands of stores handling Russian products have opened across China in recent years. This phenomenon has been particularly pronounced since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. China is not only importing Russian oil, gas, and coal at the government level but also Russian food products such as ice cream, biscuits, and powdered milk are gaining popularity in China.
According to Chinese authorities, more than 2,500 new corporations related to Russian goods trade have registered in China since 2022, with about half of those registered last year. About 80% of the new corporations are temporary pop-up stores that operate only until March, aiming to profit from the Russian product boom. Most corporations handling Russian products are headquartered in Heilongjiang province, located in northeastern China, which borders Russia.
According to the Russian state news agency Sputnik, more than 300 Russian-based corporations have joined Chinese e-commerce platforms like Taobao by April 2023. The Russian Export Center also held the 'Made in Russia Festival and Fair' in Shenyang and Dalian, Liaoning province, in northeastern China. More than 150 Russian companies participated in the event for a week, selling $2.3 million (approximately 3.3 billion won) worth of Russian goods to Chinese consumers both online and offline. Following this, similar fairs were held three more times in Chengdu and other locations.
This also means that China has become an economic lifeline for Russia, which is under Western sanctions. As Russia engages in war with Ukraine, China and Russia have grown closer than ever, as both countries do not agree with the U.S.-led world order. According to a poll conducted by Tsinghua University's Center for International Security Strategy last year, 66% of respondents expressed 'very favorable' or 'somewhat favorable' opinions toward Russia, while about 76% answered they were 'unfavorable' toward the United States.
However, amid the explosive increase of Russian products, a survey by local Chinese media indicated that many food items, including bread and powdered milk, labeled as Russian brands are actually manufactured in China. Consequently, Chinese authorities have initiated advertising regulations. The Russian Embassy in China recently issued a statement warning about products disguised as Russian goods, stating, 'Products are being sold as produced in Russia because they have Russian language on the packaging.'