China Ready To Help Russia With Economic Woes

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said Beijing is ready to help Russia overcome its economic problems.

The Russian ruble has dropped about 45 percent against the dollar this year, suffering particularly steep falls early last week.

President Vladimir Putin has declined to call it a crisis and said the currency would eventually rise again.

"If the Russian side needs, we will provide necessary assistance within our capacity," Wang said, noting that the two countries had consistently helped each other.

He did not elaborate.

Wang said that Russia also had the "wisdom" to get out of difficulties, the official China Daily reported on December 22.

China's trade minister has proposed more use of China's currency in settling trade with Russia in the face of the weaker ruble to ensure safe and reliable trade.

Based on reporting by Reuters