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Russia and China Highlight Energy Cooperation Ahead of Putin's Visit
Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, emphasized the central role of energy in Russia-China relations, citing growing trade turnover and ongoing joint projects. The statements come as President Vladimir Putin visits China on May 19-20.
Russian officials have underscored the importance of energy cooperation in bilateral relations with China, as President Vladimir Putin visits Beijing on May 19-20. In statements carried by the Russian state news agency TASS, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak highlighted the scale of trade and the continuation of major joint projects.
Coverage Comparison
TASS — English reported on the energy theme from two angles. One report focused on Lavrov's interview with the Shanghai Media Group, where he described energy as the "foundation" of economic cooperation. Another report quoted Novak speaking to Izvestia and to reporters, emphasizing that cooperation is developing across all areas, with particular attention to energy.
While Lavrov's remarks framed energy as the core of a "solid material foundation" reinforced by a shared vision of global development, Novak's comments were more operational, focusing on ongoing projects and plans for expansion. Both officials stressed the growth of trade turnover, though specific figures were only mentioned by Lavrov.
Key Claims
Energy is the foundation of economic cooperation between Russia and China, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who said trade turnover has "significantly exceeded $200 billion" for several years.
Russia is the leading supplier of pipeline natural gas to China, Lavrov said, adding that Russia is also among the main suppliers of liquefied natural gas and coal.
Lavrov noted that a legally binding memorandum was signed following Putin's visit to China last year on the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline and the Soyuz Vostok transit pipeline through Mongolia, with a capacity of 50 billion cubic meters.
Cooperation extends beyond hydrocarbons to nuclear energy, space, and high technology, Lavrov said.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that joint projects are continuing and plans for expansion have been outlined, with work underway between companies on gas supplies and routes.
Novak said that energy is a "cornerstone" of bilateral trade and economic turnover, and that Russia is satisfied with ongoing cooperation with China on oil and gas supplies.
Novak indicated that energy projects will be discussed during the Russian delegation's visit to China, and that any new or additional projects would be announced during the trip.
Putin's visit to China is taking place on May 19-20, as reported by TASS.
Perspectives
Russian Government
Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, present energy cooperation with China as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, emphasizing mutual benefit, growing trade, and a shared vision of global development. They highlight ongoing projects and express satisfaction with the current state of cooperation.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
ClaimEnergy is the foundation of economic cooperation between Russia and China.