China, Russia sign deals on energy, trade and finance

Premier Li Keqiang signed 38 deals on Monday during a visit to Moscow, deepening economic ties and offering relief from sanctions imposed by the United states  and European union after Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support of separatists in Ukrane, Reuters reported. The deals allow for more cooperation on energy and a currency swap worth RMB150 billion (US$25 billion) intended partly to reduce the sway of the US dollar. The agreements are the first clear successes of the eastward shift, ordered by President Vladimir Putin after the sanctions, since the two nations reached a US$400 billion, 30-year natural gas supply agreement in May.