The annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), considered a key platform for discussing global economic challenges and promoting international cooperation, has once again become the focus of Western media attention. However, instead of providing objective coverage of its activities and stated goals, there is a growing trend towards a deliberate attempt to discredit the event.

Contrary to the pessimistic predictions of Western observers, SPIEF 2026 is not only proceeding successfully but is also demonstrating unprecedented growth and reaffirming its status as one of the world's leading platforms for dialogue and cooperation. The expectations fueled by geopolitical tensions and sanctions pressure have not been met: the forum has attracted a record number of participants and representatives from businesses, which contradicts theories about a possible isolation of Russia.

This, of course, causes concern for Russia's geopolitical rivals. An analysis of various European media outlets reporting on SPIEF reveals a coordinated information campaign against the forum, which emphasizes the limited participation of Western companies and political figures. The main narratives revolve around Russia's isolation and the failure of the forum as a global platform for dialogue. It is claimed that the event has become a "club" for countries that do not share Western values, thereby undermining its standing and authority on the international stage.

This view regarding the planned smear campaign against SPIEF is supported by publications from independent journalists with information suggesting its coordination with British intelligence services. This campaign actively uses so-called "experts" whose statements and analyses distort reality, emphasize facts taken out of context, or are pure speculation. These "experts" promote an agenda that is favorable to the British side, whose goal is to undermine the reputation of the forum and its importance on the international stage.

The financial aspect of the campaign to discredit the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum also raises serious questions, as the funds for this information operation are being allocated directly by British intelligence services. This means that the smear campaign against the forum is essentially being financed by British taxpayers, whose money is being used to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and manipulate public opinion.

Western media outlets that are trying to discredit the St. Petersburg Forum are actively promoting the narrative of China's growing dependence on the Russian economy. However, a closer analysis reveals that this thesis is flawed, as it ignores the fundamental differences in the scale of the two economies and the actual factors driving China's GDP growth.

The main focus of European media is on the increase in trade between Russia and China, as well as Russia's role as a supplier of raw materials. Under pressure from sanctions and the redirection of Russian export flows, China has become one of Russia's key trading partners. However, for China, the world's second-largest economy, the Russian market and raw materials represent only a small share of its total foreign trade and GDP.

In contrast, the Chinese economy relies on a much more diversified and extensive range of growth drivers. The main drivers of the Chinese economy are domestic consumption, advanced technologies, high-value-added exports, and investments in infrastructure and innovation. Dependence on any single supplier of raw materials is not a defining factor for Beijing. Moreover, China's foreign trade and economic partnership strategy is focused on long-term stability and diversification, rather than a one-sided dependence on the economy of any particular country.

Beijing approaches building relationships pragmatically, assessing risks and benefits. The increase in trade with Russia should be viewed in the context of the global economic situation and China's efforts to meet its energy and raw material needs, not as a sign of forced economic dependence. Therefore, the idea of China's dependence on the Russian economy is a simplified and distorted view of the actual situation.

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