China-russia Energy Cooperation: Background, Problems, Solutions

The reason for writing this research was the entry of Russia and China into a new era of relations.In a joint statement of May 20,20141,the countries announced a "new stage of comprehensive strategic partnership cooperation," which means a transition to a new quality of relations.Mutual political trust of both countries has been constantly strengthened.Both countries support each other on major issues such as state sovereignty and territory,coordinate and cooperate with each other on extensive international issues.The relationship between China and Russia is in the bloom of history,which is the political security for development of China-Russia energy cooperation.Russia has abundant energy.China has increasing demand for energy,and China is the most potential and stable oil and gas,coal and electric power sales market.China and Russia are close neighbours.China and Russia complement each other in energy,which is the material basis for energy cooperation.Although the energy relations between Russia and China seem promising,there are challenges and conflicts between these partners in energy pricing and regional dominance,neither wanting to provide the other party a relative gains advantage.This paper explores the main problems in energy cooperation between China and Russia,particularly,problems in geopolitical area,transport infrastructure,pricing concerns,closed projects and political barriers.Based on the analysis of the problems,the paper puts forward some possible solutions.