China Deals Painful Blow To Russian Economy
3- 7.04.2025, 16:20
- 16,420
The Kremlin's hopes for help have failed.
While Moscow constantly declares “brotherly” and “strategic” relations with Beijing, the reality is much less rosy. Chinese automakers, on whom Russia had placed great hopes after the departure of Western companies, openly declare their unwillingness to invest in the Russian market, Dialog reports with reference to The Insider.
At the forum “Chinese trucks in Russia: first experience of operation and prospects”, held in Novosibirsk, representatives of Chinese companies emphasized that they do not see prospects for business development in Russia. They cited high bank interest rates, a significant recycling fee for cars and the instability of the ruble. In such conditions, in their opinion, sales are possible, but investments in production and opening enterprises are too risky. They also noted that the Russian market is not a priority for them.
“Automotive Industry for Russia”: lower quality, no repairs
Market participants criticized the quality of Chinese cars at the conference. Their operation was called “a lottery game with an unpredictable outcome.”
Compared to European-made cars, Chinese trucks begin to break down after 500 km of travel — in fact, after six months of operation.
The weakest points were engines, suspensions and electrics. Dealers complain about the shortage of components, the high cost of spare parts and the lack of service centers capable of servicing Chinese equipment.
China is building factories, but not in Russia
This position looks especially painful for Russia, given that Chinese companies are actively investing in production in other countries. For example, Chery is opening car production in Spain at the former Nissan plant in Barcelona, and is also considering the possibility of building a plant in Turkey with investments of $1 billion.
In Russia itself, Chinese companies are limited to selling cars.
They are not developing either production capacities or a full-fledged service network. This attitude is more reminiscent of the use of a colonial market, where profit is more important than development.
“Allies” only on paper
Thus, despite official statements about strategic partnership, in reality China seems in no hurry to support Russia in difficult times. It minimizes risks and refuses any long-term commitments. While Moscow is at war, China trades and does so exclusively for its own benefit.
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