China is seeking to increase imports of Russian natural gas through existing infrastructure, as negotiations for the construction of a second cross-border pipeline have made little headway, according to a Reuters report published last month.
The two sides signed several energy agreements during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to China. During the visit, Putin is also scheduled to attend a military parade in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday, September 3, marking the anniversary of the end of World War II and Japan’s official surrender.
Citing Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller, Russia’s RIA news agency reported that Gazprom and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) have agreed to raise annual gas deliveries via the existing pipeline from 38 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 44 bcm.
In addition, both countries agreed to expand flows through the Far Eastern Route from 10 bcm to 12 bcm annually.
Miller also confirmed that a legally binding memorandum has been signed for the planned construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline to China, along with the Soyuz Vostok transit pipeline that would pass through Mongolia.
“Gazprom and CNPC also signed a new strategic cooperation memorandum today, which reflects a new phase in our partnership on future energy projects,” Miller stated.
