Ding Xuexiang Urges Deeper China-Russia Ties at Eastern Economic Forum

Summary

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the plenary session of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia, on 3 September 2026, delivering a speech titled 'Deepening China-Russia Regional Cooperation and Enhancing the Well-being of the Two Peoples'. He put forward four proposals: promoting inclusive and beneficial development, creating a sound business environment, strengthening friendly exchanges, and safeguarding regional peace and stability. Ding said China's economy remains generally stable and welcomed enterprises from all countries to invest in China.

He also noted that China remains the largest trading partner of Russia's Far East, with cooperation projects advancing and border crossings seeing robust activity in both people and cargo flows.

Commentary

At the Eastern Economic Forum, Ding Xuexiang outlined four suggestions for China-Russia cooperation in the Far East, stressing implementation of the investment protection agreement and the construction of 'one zone, one port' initiatives. As Russia's Far East development aligns with the Eurasian Economic Union, planned upgrades to the Vladivostok free port and Trans-Siberian Railway capacity could reshape Northeast Asian logistics. For New Zealand SMEs, the outlook is mixed.

Greater use of local-currency settlement and expanded border infrastructure may create niche demand for logistics equipment and food processing. However, sanctions on Russia present significant payment and compliance risks, forcing Kiwi firms to distinguish purely commercial ventures from sanctioned sectors. Additionally, rising agricultural exports from Russia's Far East could compete with China's market, indirectly eroding New Zealand's pricing power in agricultural trade with China.

Cross-border operators would be wise to monitor regional customs facilitation measures while steering clear of sensitive industries.

Keywords: Ding Xuexiang, Eastern Economic Forum, China-Russia cooperation, Vladivostok, regional cooperation, four-point proposals, China, Russia

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

中共中央政治局常委、国务院副总理丁薛祥于当地时间2026年9月3日在俄罗斯符拉迪沃斯托克出席第十一届东方经济论坛全会并发表题为“深化中俄地区合作 增进两国人民福祉”的致辞。他提出四点建议：促进普惠包容发展、营造良好营商环境、加强友好往来、维护地区和平稳定。丁薛祥强调中国经济运行总体平稳，欢迎各国企业投资中国，并指出中国稳居俄远东地区最大贸易伙伴地位，合作项目加速推进，边境口岸“人货两旺”。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

丁薛祥在东方经济论坛提出中俄远东合作四建议，强调落实投资保护协定和‘一区一港’建设。俄远东开发与欧亚经济联盟对接，符拉迪沃斯托克自由港和西伯利亚铁路运力提升将改变东北亚物流格局。对NZ SME而言，一方面，中俄强化本币结算和口岸基建可能催生物流设备、食品加工等细分需求，但俄罗斯受西方制裁，支付和合规风险高，新西兰企业需区分纯商业项目与受制裁领域；另一方面，俄远东农业出口增加可能与中国市场形成价格竞争，间接影响新西兰对华农产品议价空间。

建议有跨境业务的企业跟踪该地区海关便利化措施，但避免涉入敏感行业。

关键词: 丁薛祥, 东方经济论坛, 中俄合作, 符拉迪沃斯托克, 地区合作, 四点建议, 中国, 俄罗斯

Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand