Kremlin declines to discuss Bloomberg report that Chinese banks tighten curbs for Russians

The Kremlin declined to comment on Tuesday on a Bloomberg report that Chinese state-owned banks are tightening curbs on funding to Russian clients for fear of U.S. secondary sanctions, describing it as a highly sensitive topic.

Asked about the report, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was a matter for the companies and departments involved, and not for the Kremlin. "This is a very, very sensitive area and it is unlikely that anyone will undertake to talk about it - you shouldn't expect that," he said.

"We continue to develop relations with China; it's our very important strategic partner." Peskov said this was reflected in the higher-than-expected volume of bilateral trade with China, adding "we have confidently surpassed 200 billion (dollars) and continue to grow".