China-Russia Expo opens in Harbin

The 10th China-Russia Expo opened in Harbin, the capital of China’s Heilongjiang province, on May 17 and runs through May 21, according to organizers. The fair has drawn more than 1,500 companies from 46 countries and regions and covers 55,000 square meters of exhibition space, state media and local authorities said. Nearly 300 Russian companies are participating, with displays focused on high-tech manufacturing, green energy, cultural products and tourism. The timing overlaps with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned May 19-20 visit to China, announced by the Kremlin. ### Why is Harbin hosting this event? Harbin has long been China’s main gateway for trade with Russia, and Heilongjiang officials have used the city as a base for cross-border commerce, logistics and investment. The expo is the latest edition of a forum that Chinese and Russian authorities have used to showcase bilateral business ties and regional cooperation. The Harbin municipal government said in March that the 2026 event would be held at the Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 17 to 21. Organizers said the venue’s main exhibition area would total 55,000 square meters. ### What is on display this year? Organizers said this year’s exhibition is divided into major sections covering China-Russia cooperation, international exhibits and sector-specific displays. State media reports from the opening highlighted humanoid robots, intelligent surgical equipment, virtual-reality devices, Russian food products and tourism offerings. China Daily said high-tech and specialized new enterprises accounted for more than 20% of exhibitors. CGTN reported that the fair’s featured sectors include advanced manufacturing, green development and cultural tourism. ### How large is the Russian presence? Nearly 300 Russian companies are attending the expo, organizers said, making Russia the largest named foreign participant group at the event. Earlier local government notices said Russian regions and key enterprises had completed preregistration ahead of the opening. Xinhua said more than 5,000 buyers are expected at the fair. The same report said the expo is intended to provide a platform for trade and investment cooperation between Chinese and Russian businesses. ### What does the timing say about China-Russia contacts this week? The Kremlin said on May 16 that Putin will make an official visit to China on May 19 and 20 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beijing and Moscow have both announced the trip, which comes while the Harbin expo is under way. Putin also sent a message to participants and organizers of the expo on May 17, according to the Kremlin. That linked the Harbin event directly to the broader calendar of official China-Russia exchanges this week. ### Is this only a China-Russia event? The expo is branded around China-Russia trade, but organizers said participants come from 46 countries and regions. Chinese state media described the event as an international economic and trade platform rather than a bilateral business meeting alone. The mix of exhibitors reflects that wider pitch. Alongside Russian firms, the show includes Chinese domestic companies and other overseas participants in sectors such as manufacturing, consumer goods and services. ### What happens next? The expo remains open in Harbin through May 21, according to the organizing committee. Putin’s China visit is scheduled for May 19-20, the Kremlin said, placing the Russian leader’s trip in the middle of the five-day trade event. After the fair closes on May 21, organizers are expected to release attendance, deal-signing and procurement figures, as they have done for past editions.