Main Trends in the Chinese Banks` Activities in Russia at the Beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan

Abstract

The article analyzes the Chinese banks` activities in Russia in the first years of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). Four subsidiaries of state-owned commercial banks (ICBC, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank), and two representative offices of China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank of China respectively, operate in the Russian market. The banks provide a full range of banking products and services primarily to companies doing business with China, including lending, accounts opening and maintaining, foreign exchange and financial transactions, and letters of credit business. The author notes a significant increase of Chinese four subsidiaries` assets during 2022–2023. Regarding the liabilities, there was also a growth in the category "amounts due to credit organizations" (other banks` LORO accounts` transactions, interbank operations), which is associated with the necessity of an increased number of client payments due the increasing volume of Sino-Russo trade turnover and restrictions on settlements on USD and EUR. These trends have contributed to the growth of both the client base and profits of Chinese subsidiaries that charge commissions for account maintenance, settlements, and, moreover, had a positive impact on the increase in the volume of settlements in national currencies. The article analyzes the structure of settlements under foreign trade contracts and draws a conclusion about the growing predominance of national currencies. The author notes that in general, Chinese financial institutions pursue a cautious credit policy, focusing on maintaining stability and leveling various risks.