Russia became the top market for Chinese auto exports in 2023, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Last year, China exported over 900,000 vehicles to Russia. The impressive figure accounts for 17 percent of China's total car exports and was double the number sent to Mexico, which ranked second.
Sales of Chinese cars to Russia have seen a significant increase since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, with many Western countries imposing export bans. Chinese automakers sold a record-breaking 553,000 cars in Russia in 2023, accounting for almost half of the country's auto market.
A study conducted by the auto business unit of Russia's Ot-kri-tie Bank revealed that nearly two-thirds of Russians consider Chinese automobiles to be a suitable replacement for the foreign cars that have left the Russian market.
Around 59 percent of respondents in the survey also noted an improvement in the quality of Chinese cars.
Russia ranks top auto export market for China
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
