China-Russia Connectivity: China and Russia Plan Cross-Border Cooperation on Drones, Driverless Trucks in the Far East
RIA Novosti, August 17 report: China and Russia may soon initiate cooperation involving drones and autonomous trucks between their Far Eastern regions. This announcement was made during a forum currently taking place in Kazan, Russia. According to the forum, Russia plans to launch pilot projects for developing its domestic low-altitude economy.
The Amur Region of Russia shares a border with China. At the Kazan Business Forum, Deputy Head of the Amur Regional Government, Puzanov, announced that his region is advancing mutually beneficial pilot cooperation projects with relevant Chinese authorities. One such project aims to establish a "drone bridge" connecting Blagoveshchensk in Russia and Heihe in China. These two cities are separated by the Heilongjiang River. If successful, this initiative could enable the delivery of high-value goods—such as electronic components—across the river via drones, with each item weighing up to 50 kilograms.
Media note that behind this drone collaboration between China and Russia lies the rapid growth of trade in the region. This surge has placed pressure on border crossings and existing logistics systems, fueling demand for new freight solutions to bypass bottlenecks.
In addition to drones, China and Russia also intend to launch a driverless truck cooperation project between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe. The project is developed by the Russian autonomous driving company Navio and will utilize Chinese-made driverless trucks capable of carrying heavier cargo. According to materials cited from the Kazan Forum, cross-border testing could begin as early as 2027; however, safety drivers will still be present in the cabins at that stage. Full automation may be achieved by 2028.
The Chinese Ambassador to Russia stated that trade volume between China and Russia increased by 26% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, reaching $159 billion, and could reach a record high by year-end.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873808305783808/
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