China says willing to help Russia

China says its will extend a helping hand to Russia if needed but believes the country has the ability to overcome its current economic problems - AFP Photo.

BEIJING: China is willing to help Russia if needed but believes that the country has the ability to overcome its current economic problems, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was quoted as saying in a state newspaper on Monday.

The rouble has dropped about 45% against the dollar this year, suffering particularly steep falls early last week. President Vladimir Putin has declined to call it a crisis and said the currency would eventually rise again.