Russia could get a major boost from an influx of Chinese visitors.

Fears for plan to stimulate Russian economy via major infrastructure links to Asia and Europe as Beijing announces rival scheme.

Today the Asia Pacific is a vital center of economic development and progressive political influence.

Chinese investment to Russia-much of it in Siberia-has risen 36% compared with last year, but Russian ambassador to Beijing wants to see a far bigger level.

He emphasised the importance of the economically buoyant Asian-Pacific region as critical to the development of Russia as Western markets stall.

Eye-catching numbers have emerged on the expected trade boom from the Arctic route to Europe for Chinese business. 

Element has a remarkable array of uses, including in space research, car parts, mobile phones, and military drones.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov backs easing of visa regimes in Asia-Pacific region for students and tourists.

A new direct international flight have started on April 1 between Irkutsk and the key Chinese trading city of Guangzhou.

Aim to double annual bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2016.