As India scaled back its purchases of Russian crude, China seized the opportunity to step in with huge orders. This surge has pushed Russian oil imports in Beijing to record levels. Analysts say that the change has strengthened ties between Moscow and Beijing, with China emerging as the largest customer for Russian sea-bound crude shipments. As India scaled back its purchases of Russian crude, China seized the opportunity to step in with huge orders. This surge has pushed Russian oil imports in Beijing to record levels. Analysts say that the change has strengthened ties between Moscow and Beijing, with China emerging as the largest customer for Russian sea-bound crude shipments.