Russia pivots East with launch of natural gas deliveries to China
In a move to cement energy cooperation with the fast-growing economies in Asia, Russia officially launched delivery of natural gas supplies to China, via the Power of Siberia pipeline, on Monday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping gave the green light at an official ceremony via teleconference.
Russia, the world’s biggest gas exporter, is looking to one of the globe’s top consumers, China, as Moscow’s relations with the West deteriorate.
The 3,000km-long (1864 miles) pipeline will ship gas from Russia’s huge gas reserves in its eastern regions to the Chinese border. It will then link up with China’s own network to supply gas as far as the eastern seaboard and help satisfy the nation’s vast and growing energy needs.
The mega pipeline was built in record time. Initially, the opening of the pipeline was planned for December 20 but the construction was completed ahead of schedule.
“The tap is open, gas is being supplied to the gas transportation system” of China, CEO of Gazprom Alexey Miller told President Putin via a videolink from the compression station near the Chinese border.
For more stories on economy & finance visit RT’s business section
Russia pivots East with launch of natural gas deliveries to China
Source: RT