Cooperation between Russia and China in the hydrocarbon sector: mutual interests, current state, prospects

Cooperation in the energy sector, and practically in the field of hydrocarbons, is traditionally and reasonably considered as an important area of multidisciplinary interaction between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. In terms of its substantive forms, the energy dialogue has a multifaceted character, includes cooperation in mineral exploration, production technologies, capacity generation, investment support for relevant projects. Nevertheless, as it was objectively developed in practice, one of the main elements of cooperation turned out to be the supply of hydrocarbons from Russia to China, which has been increasing since the beginning of the century. This situation reflects the natural complementarity of the economic complexes of the two countries, which, in turn, serves as one of the basic foundations for the compatibility of the national interests of the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. Paying attention to the circumstances above, the author examines the specific practice of cooperation in the field of hydrocarbon supplies, including the documents signed and the projects already implemented or being discussed. The focus is made on the current situation, when, in the context of large- scale sanctions pressure from the West, the task of reorientation of domestic energy exports to the East, including to China, is being considered systemically important for Russia. Pointing out the existing difficulties, the article contains a conclusion about the overall positive prospects for Russian-Chinese hydrocarbon cooperation.