中文
Russia plans to deepen relations with China by expanding energy exports. Russia will launch new joint ventures and pipeline projects to deliver coal, natural gas and petrochemicals to China, the world’s largest energy consumer. In addition, Russia also plans to double its coal exports to China, which is enough to replace Australia’s exports to China.
By the end of 2020, the leaders of China and Russia agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in a wider scope, in a wider field and at a deeper level, including energy projects. “True gold is not afraid of fire. In times of crisis, the unique advantages and valuable values of China Russia relations have become increasingly prominent. ” Xi Jinping said.
Last December, Russia’s ELGA coal company signed a joint venture agreement with China’s Fujian Air China Ocean Shipping (Group) Co., Ltd. to export coking coal to China. After the completion of relevant projects, the coal supply to China is expected to reach 30 million tons from 2023, which will nearly double Russia’s total coal export to China from about 33 million tons in 2019.
Part of the purpose of the two countries’ coal cooperation is to deal with Australia. About a quarter of China’s coal imports in 2019 will come from Australia. At present, China has imposed restrictions on the export of several Australian commodities to China, including coal.
On December 28 last year, Sibur also announced the establishment of a joint venture with Sinopec on the basis of Amur natural gas chemical complex. The project has been approved by both countries and is expected to be completed in 2024. There is a similar trend in the field of natural gas.
As the world’s largest energy consumer, China has long maintained a complementary relationship with Russia, a major energy exporter. In recent months, in the face of political resistance from the United States, Europe and Australia, the relationship between the two sides has become stronger. China wants to diversify its energy supply quickly, and Russia is a key part of the plan.
Since the Crimea crisis, Russia has had to face severe resistance and sanctions from the United States and Europe. As Europe plans to greatly increase the use of renewable energy, Russia is under increasing pressure to export more oil and natural gas to China. But for Russia, there are risks. Experts said that since most of Russia’s exports are commodities such as crude oil, natural gas and logs, this may put Russia at a disadvantage in its trade with China.