Under the guidance of the Belt and Road Initiative, economic cooperation between China and Russia has continuously reached new heights. Recently, Cherniaev, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics at RUDN University and Doctor of Economics, gave an exclusive interview to CRI Online, holding an in-depth discussion on the development prospects of China-Russia economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. He stated that the Belt and Road Initiative brings more benefits to the peoples of Russia and China, and that the prospects for economic cooperation between the two countries are broad.

Cherniaev stated that the construction of China-Russia cross-border railways and highways will greatly promote logistics and personnel exchanges between the two countries, reduce trade costs, and improve transportation efficiency. Infrastructure construction is crucial to promoting economic cooperation between the two countries. Russia is actively advancing cooperation projects with China in areas such as transportation, energy, and communications. He believes that these cooperations will not only strengthen the economic ties between the two countries but also drive regional and even global economic development.

He emphasized that in the energy sector, China-Russia economic cooperation has enormous potential. In 2023, bilateral trade between China and Russia reached a historic high, with energy trade accounting for a considerable proportion. Russia has been China's largest crude oil supplier for many consecutive years. Cooperation between the two sides in the energy sector can leverage complementary advantages and achieve mutual benefits. The construction of the China-Russia East Route natural gas pipeline not only provides China with a stable energy supply but also opens up new markets for Russia's energy exports. Cherniaev said that in addition to energy, the two sides also have broad cooperation space in mineral resource development and energy technology exchange. He looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with China to jointly develop and utilize these resources.

Cherniaev pointed out that with the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, the trade volume between the two countries is constantly growing. China's demand for Russian agricultural products, timber, and other commodities is increasing, while Russia is also very interested in Chinese electronic products, machinery and equipment, and other goods. The two countries can strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, the digital economy, and other fields to promote innovative trade development.

He is full of confidence in the future of China-Russia economic cooperation. He believes that the Belt and Road Initiative brings more benefits to the peoples of Russia and China, and he looks forward to the continuous deepening of practical cooperation between the two countries.