Beijing says Russia is able to overcome economic crisis itself, China ready to help

BEIJING, December 25. /TASS/. Russia is capable of coping with the current economic hardship itself, but China is ready to offer a helping hand to Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s official spokesman said on Thursday. “Russia has enough possibilities to overcome the economic crisis, but if necessary China can provide support,” Hua Chunying said. “China and Russia have ties of an all-encompassing partnership,” the diplomat stressed. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also said in an interview with Hong Kong’s Fenghuang television channel on Sunday that Beijing is ready to offer whatever assistance if needed. “We believe that Russia has opportunities and knowledge to overcome the current problems in the economy. The Chinese-Russian relations of strategic partnership are at a high level, we are always supporting and helping our friend. If the Russian side needs it, we shall offer all possible support we may have,” the foreign minister said. Speaking on the current situation with Russia’s ruble, China’s Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng said fluctuations in the currency market may be of certain interest for some capital investors. The minister also expressed confidence that the current financial and economic situation in Russia would not afflict implementation of the major Russian-Chinese projects in the energy, industries and other spheres. Read more