Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moscow is working on a long-term retaliation strategy to the sanctions they’ve faced from the European Union. Lavrov called the EU sanctions ‘unlawful’, saying they failed to de-escalate the Ukraine conflict.

Russia has already taken counter-measures to U.S and EU sanctions against Russia’s finance, energy and defense sectors, including a food ban on many Western imports. Last week, Russia’s Parliament approved a law allowing the government to seize foreign assets. It’s still waiting final approval from President Vladimir Putin.

With Russia’s relations with the West deteriorating, Moscow is looking to other countries to make up for a looming trade shortfall. That’s why Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s trip to Russia couldn’t come at a better time. Both the countries are now working on boosting cooperation in business and technology. CCTV America’s Tom Barton explains.

Follow Tom Barton on Twitter:@TomBartonJourno