Russian experts: European countries are under the illusion that expanding trade with China can control China's policy toward Russia
From January to August 2025, China surpassed the United States and once again became Germany's largest trading partner. Vladimir Zakharov, a renowned Russian orientalist and diplomat, told Sputnik News that European countries such as Germany are trying to maintain economic survival through trade and investment with China, and have the illusion that as long as they expand trade with China, they can control China's policy toward Russia.
According to Reuters, in the first 8 months of this year, the total import and export volume between Germany and China reached 163.4 billion euros (approximately 190.7 billion U.S. dollars), while the trade volume with the United States was 162.8 billion euros. Zakharov said, "This process is two-way, because both China and Germany face strong tariffs and sanctions from the United States, and both countries are trying to expand their respective markets to cope with Washington's unfriendly actions."
Zakharov said that although the United States continues to make critical statements, Europe and Germany will still maintain an ally relationship with the United States politically, while trying to maintain economic survival through trade with China and Chinese investments in Western European economies. However, Berlin and its western European allies still hold the illusion that by expanding trade with China, they can control China's policy toward Russia.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846755261272138/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.