China Pledges Deeper Energy Collaboration with Russia at Beijing Forum

China Reinforces Energy Partnership with Russia

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang announced China's commitment to deepening strategic collaboration with Russia in the energy sector, including industrial chain cooperation and energy transition. The announcement was made at the 7th China-Russia Energy Business Forum, which opened on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Beijing. Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, read a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping, who emphasized consolidating the comprehensive energy partnership between the two nations.

Key Proposals for Enhanced Cooperation

During his address, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang put forward three key proposals to further deepen China-Russia energy cooperation:

• Strengthening cooperation across the entire industrial chain: This aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of cross-border energy channels and the smooth flow of energy trade.
• Enhancing cooperation in energy transition: Both sides are encouraged to actively explore application scenarios and tap into the potential for collaboration in renewable energy and other emerging areas.
• Strengthening multilateral collaboration: This involves jointly promoting the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative in the energy sector, with the goal of injecting greater stability and certainty into the global energy market.

These proposals highlight a comprehensive approach to energy collaboration, extending beyond traditional fossil fuels to include green energy initiatives.

Broader Context of China-Russia Energy Ties

The forum saw high-level participation from both countries, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also sending congratulatory messages. Deputy Prime Minister Novak met with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang following the opening ceremony, reaffirming Russia's position as a 'reliable supplier of oil and natural gas to China' and emphasizing continued efforts to strengthen energy cooperation. Russia is actively exploring opportunities to boost its oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies to China.

Recent developments underscore the deepening energy relationship. In September 2025, Russia and China signed a 'legally binding' memorandum to advance the construction of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a project designed to significantly increase natural gas supplies to China. This pipeline, along with the existing Power of Siberia 1, is crucial for Russia's pivot to Asian markets and China's quest for diversified energy sources. Energy cooperation is considered a cornerstone of practical collaboration between China and Russia, playing a positive role in safeguarding global energy security. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record $245 billion in 2024, with energy being a significant component.

Outlook for the Partnership

The commitment articulated by Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang at the 7th China-Russia Energy Business Forum signals a continued trajectory of robust energy cooperation between the two nations. This strategic alignment is poised to further integrate their energy sectors, enhance energy security for both countries, and contribute to the stability of global energy markets. The focus on industrial chain integration and energy transition reflects a forward-looking approach to their comprehensive energy partnership.