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.
