AI as the Core of Partnership: Russia and China Double Down on Technology
Russia and China are consolidating their efforts in artificial intelligence. This partnership not only promises economic growth but also positions both countries to shape a new global model of the digital economy.
Shared Advantages
Russia brings computing power independent of the U.S. and EU, while China contributes advanced AI developments. Talks held on the sidelines of the 4th World Digital Trade Expo, running from September 25–29 in Hangzhou, confirmed both powers’ strong interest in joint AI projects.
Delegations were led by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko and Wang Dongming, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress. Their discussions focused on AI cooperation and strengthening industrial and technological sovereignty.
Digital Sovereignty
Russia and China are among just three nations in the world that fully possess digital sovereignty, according to Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Russian Presidential Administration. Speaking at the Russian Internet Forum (RIF 2025), he emphasized that no country can pressure Russia by threatening to cut access to digital services.
“Today, all companies ensuring the independence and sovereignty of the Russian internet are indeed Russian companies, legally registered here. This entire ecosystem—e-commerce platforms, video apps, educational programs, messaging services, online banking, and more—collectively forms digital sovereignty,” Kiriyenko explained.
Expanding Russia-China Tech Ties
Technological independence is fueling the digital economy. Russia’s online economy reached 24 trillion rubles (approx. $287 billion) in turnover and grew 40% over the past year. Forecasts for 2025 suggest another 37% increase. Fintech and e-commerce are driving this surge.
Cross-border trade highlights the China connection: 80% of transactions on Russian marketplaces involve Chinese partners, according to Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov.
The Hangzhou expo gathered 1,700 companies from 154 countries, including Russian e-commerce giants Ozon and Wildberries, both operating local subsidiaries in China. Participants showcased products, services, and innovations while striking partnerships in smart transport, digital healthcare, fintech, entertainment, and AI.
Strategic Priorities
“Right now, our focus is on building independent financial infrastructure and strengthening industrial and technological sovereignty. But the key priority today is cooperation in artificial intelligence,” noted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko.
Within Russia, the federal AI project—part of the broader national “Data Economy” program—has launched 12 research centers and grant programs to support AI adoption across industries. China has shown strong interest in these initiatives.
Two years ago, following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Moscow visit, the countries identified eight priority areas for cooperation, including digital economy development. In May 2025, Moscow and Beijing signed a memorandum on digital transformation. Four months later, Putin’s visit to China produced 22 agreements, including several tied directly to AI.
In a fragmented digital landscape, this Moscow-Beijing alliance around AI could anchor a new model of digital economy oriented toward the Global South and East.
