OREANDA-NEWS  Stronger ties between Russia and China are good for everyone, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, adding that Moscow and Beijing would remain long-term strategic partners regardless of the result of Russia’s 2018 presidential polls.

Putin also told his annual news conference that China was looking with great interest at Russia’s northern sea route in the Arctic which could significantly cut the time for shipments of goods between Asia and Europe.

Putin said Russia would support China’s further involvement in Russian projects, including in the energy sector.