June 2026 (published: 29.05.2026)
Number 2(65)
UDC 338.314
DOI 10.17586/2310-1172-2026-19-2-80-95
Improving the strategy of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of energy
Reference for citation: Khakimova G.R., Sokolova N.A., Mikhadyuk D.P., Nazarov S.N. Improving the strategy of cooperation between Russia and China in the field of energy. Scientific journal NRU ITMO. Series «Economics and Environmental Management». 2026. № 2. Р. 80-95. DOI: 10.17586/2310-1172-2026-19-2-80-95.
Abstract. Due to objective historical and geographical reasons, Russia currently has quite close cooperation with China. One of the most critical industries is the gas sector, where China is one of the largest consumers of gas and Russia is one of its main suppliers. At the moment, Russia and China have been able to establish a full dialogue on the gas sector, which has been facilitated by specially created institutions, such as the SCO and BRICS, as well as other smaller ones. On the basis of cooperation within the framework of these organizations, contracts were signed, and gas transportation projects were developed. One of the most important projects was the Power of Siberia. The project's implementation has shown that despite various challenges such as sanctions and sabotage, cooperation between Russia and China in the gas sector has been highly effective. This has led to the development of strategic partnerships based on shared views on the economic situation in the region. We can highlight such approaches as a strategic partnership based on similar views on the economic situation in the region, a multilateral format where other countries participate, such as the BRICS and SCO platforms. Based on this, we can conclude that Russia is more dependent on China than China is on Russia, but this cooperation is beneficial for both countries, both economically and in terms of their influence on the global stage. Over the past 14 years, the energy balance in the neighboring territories has changed dramatically: China has transformed from an energy–deficient region to an energy–surplus region, while the Russian Far East has transformed from an exporter to an importer. This has led to the need to reconsider the model of cooperation and the possible directions for electricity transfers. Against the backdrop of the changes that have occurred in trade and economic cooperation, there is a need to develop new formats of interaction, both to resume the import of electricity from China to Russia and to create potentially new formats of interaction in the energy sector. It is necessary to choose an optimal strategy for cooperation, update the legal framework, and update or create missing infrastructure, financial mechanisms, and software products. This also applies to other areas of cooperation that are of interest to both countries. At the same time, Russia's foreign policy does not always align with China's, which creates certain limitations in the development and selection of strategic relationship models in various segments. The study of the economic situation shows that in a rapidly changing world, the strategy requires constant adjustment, the development of new tools, and the consideration and application of digital programs, which have not yet been sufficiently researched in Russian and foreign science. In particular, it requires the development of its theoretical and methodological foundations, as well as the management of adaptation and localization, taking into account the historical and geographical features of the relationship between Russia and China. The object of the study is the history and current development of energy cooperation between Russia and China. The subject of the study is the anti–crisis strategy in the field of energy cooperation between Russia and China. The purpose of the study is to analyze the history of Russia's and China's cooperation in the energy sector, identify points of support and problematic issues, and refine methodological approaches to selecting new forms of cooperation and an anti–crisis strategy. The study was conducted using the scientific and methodological foundations of economic science, including methods of analysis and synthesis, statistical and strategic methods, methods of statistical information processing, methods of substantiating management decisions, and methods of expert assessments and visualization.
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Keywords: energy sector, economic development, Russian–Chinese relations, localization, and anti–crisis strategy.
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