otal Chinese investment into joint projects in Khabarovsk is 1.2 billion rubles, or $16.5 million at current exchange rates. Picture: Anton Rydkin

Chinese money tops 45% of foreign investment in the region, one of a number of Far East areas prioritised for fast track development by the Russian government.

'The total number of companies with Chinese investment among all enterprises with foreign investments exceeds 45 percent,' said an official in the Khararovsk government. Over 300 enterprises with investment from China are operating in the Territory.'

Chinese business is investing in trade, catering, construction, wood processing and exploration work, said a report from the Sputnik news service. Total Chinese investment into joint projects in Khabarovsk is 1.2 billion rubles, or $16.5 million at current exchange rates.

One example is a joint multi-company cooperation agreement signed in 2015 to construct an assembly plant for Chinese heavy duty Howo trucks in Komsomolsk.