China and Russia contemplated strengthening their energy collaboration.
During a trip to Moscow by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, discussions focused on strengthening collaborations in the energy sector. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin mentioned that Russia currently stands as China's largest oil provider.
"We aim to take the lead in natural gas provision in the coming days," Mishustin reportedly added, as shared by the state news agency Tass. Li Qiang supposedly highlighted the expansion and improvement of energy collaboration.
Regarding Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Li Qiang views it as a breach of the global order, yet maintains China's support for Russia on this matter. Later in the day, Li Qiang was set to meet with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Putin made a visit to China back in May. Recently, the two nations have strengthened their relationship through their shared resistance against the West, officially declaring a strategic partnership.
According to Mishustin, the West aims to contain Russia and China through sanctions. He emphasized the significance of focusing on mutual interests and establishing a multi-polar world order.
However, numerous analysts opine that the economic powerhouse, China, holds more leverage in this alliance. For Russia, its role as a commodity supplier and junior partner continues. Due to Russia's isolation from Western technology following the Ukraine conflict, Russia depends on China for access to advanced technology. An illustration of Russia's predicament is the fact that China has yet to finalize a contract for constructing the second natural gas export pipeline that Moscow had anticipated.
Mishustin further expressed the importance of diversifying Russia's energy sector partnerships beyond China, recognizing the potential benefits of collaborations with other nations. Li Qiang affirmed China's commitment to deepening cooperation in the energy sector, viewing it as a key driver for strengthening the bilateral relationship.
