The main trends in the development of oil cooperation between Russia and China in the context of sanctions pressure

The article analyzes the transformation of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation under unprecedented sanctions pressure from Western countries, which is characterized by the dual containment of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. Particular attention is paid to the factors contributing to the deepening of bilateral cooperation: the complementarity of the economies, China's desire to ensure national energy security, and Russia's need to diversify its markets. The object of the study is oil cooperation between Russia and China. The subject of the study is the dynamics of oil trade between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China following the start of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine. The aim of the study is to analyze the main trends in the development of oil cooperation between Russia and China from 2020 to 2025, identify prospects for further interaction between the two countries, as well as risks associated with the imposition of secondary sanctions. The study is based on a combination of historical-dynamic and comparative methods, as well as an analysis of official customs statistics from Russia and China and reports from international energy agencies. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the analysis of the features of the transformation of Russian-Chinese oil cooperation under conditions of sanctions restrictions, de-dollarization, and the reorientation of trade flows. The main conclusion of the study is that Western sanctions pressure, aimed at isolating and weakening Russia's position on the global energy market, has not achieved its goal. Although Russian oil exports to European countries, previously key importers of Russian raw materials, have declined, since 2022 Russia has been able to redirect its energy flows to China. This has contributed to the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the two countries and the creation of a cooperation structure that allows them to bypass restrictions through the transit of oil via third countries and the use of national currencies for payments. Thus, Russia has become a reliable supplier of oil, which is essential for Chinese industry, while China, in turn, has become a key importer of Russian oil, and has maintained this position over the past two years.