Russia’s ‘eastward pivot’ gains steam as Putin confirms new China border railway

[Beijingwalker]

Russia’s ‘eastward pivot’ gains steam as Putin confirms new China border railway​

The new railway track will use the same standard gauge as China, a sign of Moscow’s ‘pragmatic’ focus on boosting ties with Beijing, analysts say​

Sherry Wangin Beijing
Published: 12:00pm, 5 Nov 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a deal to build a second standard-gauge railway track at a key border crossing with China, as Moscow looks to accelerate its eastward pivot and boost ties with Beijing ahead of the Apec summit.

According to a document posted on Russia’s official legislative information portal on Monday, Putin has now signed a law ratifying the railway deal reached with Beijing during the Russian leader’s visit to China in May.

The two sides have agreed to jointly construct a new track along the cross-border railway linking Zabaikalsk in southeastern Russia and Manzhouli in northern China.

 

[ety]

Russians marvel: We are copying China across the board

 

[MH.Yang]

We are highly complementary to Russia. The greatest resource power and the greatest industrial power.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a deal to build a second standard-gauge railway track at a key border crossing with China, as Moscow looks to accelerate its eastward pivot and boost ties with Beijing ahead of the Apec summit.

Hmm Britain and Belgium financed China's railroads...interesting to know