<h1>China and Russia deepen economic ties with visa waiver, pipeline memorandum, and energy deals, risking sanctions enforcement challenges</h1> Chinese and Russian leaders reaffirmed close bilateral ties amid shared friction with the United States, announcing measures - including a 30-day visa waiver for Russian nationals, a memorandum to build a new gas pipeline, and increased energy deliveries - that deepen economic integration and may complicate enforcement of Western sanctions. China's stated neutrality in the Ukraine conflict contrasts with continued trade that critics say circumvents restrictions; Western sanctions and targeted measures against companies remain a legal risk. The summit rhetoric also advances proposals to reform global governance, potentially affecting multilateral legal and trade frameworks.