Medvedev in China to Discuss Gas and Geopolitics
The Moscow Times reports that President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in China yesterday for talks with leaders, amid growing energy co-operation between the neighbors.
No agenda has been provided for Medvedev's three-day visit, but China and Russia have expanded energy co-operation in recent months. Russia wants to pin down a deal to supply gas to its huge neighbor that is hungry for energy but has expanding import options.
Today's talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao are likely to touch on Korean Peninsula tension and Iran's nuclear program, in addition to trade and energy.
Bloomberg adds that Russia signed agreements with China on oil, gas, coal and nuclear power today to deepen economic ties. Chinese President Hu Jintao said that Sino-Russian cooperation is "at a new start," and called for further "optimizing" of relations. Medvedev said the accords add "impetus to partnership."
Agence France Presse added that the completion of a cross-border oil pipeline is a symbol of growing ties between the two emerging economic powers, particularly in the energy sector.