China's customs agency data shows that Russia has become the country's largest supplier of natural gas, surpassing Turkmenistan, Qatar, and Australia. In January, the total supply of Russian gas was 2.7 billion cubic meters, delivered via the Power of Siberia pipeline and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. China's total gas imports in January rose by 1% YoY to 11.3 bcm, largely driven by increased LNG imports, which grew for the first time in 13 months by 7% YoY. Moscow and Beijing also signed an agreement for additional natural gas supplies to China via the Far Eastern Route.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has written an article in Rossiyskaya Gazeta, ahead of his visit to Moscow, highlighting the ten-year relationship between China and Russia, saying that relations have improved and a transition to a multipolar world liberated from US domination will not be stopped. The article emphasized the necessity for peace, development and win-win cooperation and called for increased investment, stronger policy coordination and increased economic cooperation between the two nations. Xi also spoke of the “legitimate security concerns of all countries” and called for dialogue and consultation in pursuit of a broad path toward a world of lasting peace and common security.