He went on to say that the Russian government had “made it very clear that preference would be given to China” when the planned 4,130-km pipeline from Siberia to the Sea of Japan was constructed.
China is the world’s second largest oil consumer after the US, and has seen imports soar as flagging domestic production has failed to keep up with booming economic growth and demand for gasoline in the auto market. For several years, Chinese authorities have lobbied the Russians to directly supply China under its pipeline plan, but last year they lost out to Japan which will now be the final destination for the project. However, in January, Russia’s Transneft pipeline monopoly said another branch could later be built to China.
Mr Wen said energy cooperation was an important component in China-Russia relations, which he rated as better than ever. He would meet with Russian leaders in the second half of the year to discuss further economic and trade issues between the two countries, and, “in particular, energy cooperation”.