The couple on the border with Russia: "In the past, China was much weaker"

Russia and China have been bitter enemies for long periods in the past and in the border town of Heihe there is a museum that has collected alleged wrongs that Russia has inflicted on China over the years.

But this week, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met for three days and ties between the countries are described by Xi Jinping as historically strong. This can be seen in trade between countries.

Dependence on China

Western sanctions against Russia have made the country dependent on China, and this year trade has increased by about 30 percent.

Customs officer Chi has seen how it affected Heihe. At the border checkpoint, long lines of trucks are ready to drive into Russia with Chinese goods.

"That's many more than three years ago. They need to import an awful lot now," customs officer Chi said.

Follow along to the border town in the clip in the player above.