Research On Problems Of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation In The Context Of "The Belt And Road Initiative"

In the face of rising energy consumption and uncertainty in the development of new energy technologies,China is actively importing oil,gas and other energy products from abroad.At the same time,China’s dependence on energy imports has reached a critical level and continues to grow.China must ensure the continuity and diversification of energy imports.Russia,against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with Western countries,also seeks to find reliable importers of energy for cooperation.Therefore,Russian-Chinese energy cooperation is an inevitable choice for both countries.In addition,Russian-Chinese cooperation in the field of energy trade has incomparable advantages: the geographical proximity of Russia and China,the stability of political relations,“The Belt and Road Initiative” opens up new prospects for energy cooperation between the two countries,China and Russia have a great complementarity in the energy and economy.In recent years,energy cooperation between the two countries has been developing rapidly,but its potential has not yet been realized.The thesis studies the problems of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation in the context of “The Belt and Road Initiative”:at first,defines the theoretical framework,context,content and impact of “The Belt and Road Initiative” on the Russian-Chinese energy cooperation;secondly,analyzes the state of the energy strategy and energy balance of Russia and China,on this basis explores the prerequisites,advantages and prospects of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the oil and gas,coal and electricity sectors;thirdly,analyzes the current state of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the oil and gas,coal and electricity sectors;forthly,in accordance with the analysis,lists the problems impeding the development of energy cooperation between two countries,and finally makes recommendations on targeted countermeasures.Despite the obvious advantages of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation and its intensive development(Russia has become the largest supplier of oil to China,in 2019 Russian pipeline natural gas first time will enter China,etc.),in Russia and China Energy Cooperation inevitably appear some problems that hinder its further development: problems related to the current situation and prospects of the energy industry in both countries(for example,the unstable economy of the Russian coal companies,the insufficient capacity of Russian Railways to pass through,the insufficiently developed natural gas infrastructure in China,the reduction of oil reserves in Russia,etc.),problems related to the energy strategy of Russia and China(energy security issues,the interests of the two countries,geopolitical implications),problems arising in the process of cooperation(imperfect pricing mechanisms,insufficient mutual investment,etc.).On this basis,the thesis proposes measures for the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation in the context of “The Belt and Road Initiative”: improving the Russian-Chinese energy infrastructure,ensuring energy security in various spheres,expanding cooperation in the electric power industry,reducing the volatility of energy prices,expanding Russian-Chinese cooperation in the field of energy technologies,state support for Russian coal enterprises,etc.Despite the presence of negative factors,mutual interests allow both countries to confidently overcome these problems and bring the development of energy cooperation to a qualitatively new level in the interests of Russia and China.