Giant Russia-China gas pipeline cements energy alliance

Gas flows into northern China for first time, providing nation with steady supply

20191203 China Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping by video link on Dec. 2, marking the opening of the pipeline. © AP

YOHEI ISHIKAWA and SHUNSUKE TABETA, Nikkei staff writers

MOSCOW/CHONGQING -- The first pipeline transporting Russian natural gas to China went operational Monday, highlighting a strategic tie-up between Moscow and Beijing at a time when both countries grapple with economic pressure from the U.S.

The opening of the Power of Siberia trunk line "takes Russo-Chinese strategic cooperation in energy to a qualitative new level," Russian President Vladimir Putin said as he took part in a launching ceremony via video link. The project is "an example of deep integration and mutually beneficial cooperation," Chinese leader Xi Jinping said.

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