China seeks new cooperation with Turkmenistan for natural gas supply

According to information from the State Council of China, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang paid an official visit to Turkmenistan from April 15-17 to expand cooperation in the fields of energy and infrastructure. Meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the capital, Ashgabat, Ding stated that they aim to strengthen natural gas cooperation between the two countries through both existing activities and future projects.

Berdimuhamedov, for his part, emphasized that Turkmenistan will continue its energy sector partnerships with China and that they are open to new collaborations, particularly in infrastructure and high technology.

During his visit, Vice Premier Ding also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the fourth phase of the Galkynysh Gas Field, which will be implemented in cooperation between the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Turkmengas. In this new phase, it is planned to produce 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from the field, which holds the world's second-largest natural gas reserves.

As cooperation between China and Turkmenistan in the energy sector celebrates its 20th anniversary, the following remarks were included in the speech Ding delivered at a conference held in Ashgabat: “Cooperation in the field of natural gas is the cornerstone of China-Turkmenistan relations, and the projects developed in this area have provided significant benefits to the people of both countries.” Ding also emphasized joint efforts to ensure global energy security and to establish a more equitable energy management system.

INCREASE TARGETED IN NATURAL GAS FLOW FROM TURKMENISTAN TO CHINA

Turkmenistan currently exports approximately 40 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China annually. The majority of this is transported via the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, which reaches China from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Turkmen administration aims to increase natural gas sales to China to 65 billion cubic meters per year through new field investments and additional pipelines.

Recent disruptions in energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions in the Middle East have also led to a contraction in China's imports. Approximately 45 percent of China's total oil imports and 30 percent of its liquefied natural gas reach the country via the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China's natural gas imports, both in pipeline and liquefied form, fell by 11 percent in March compared to the same period last year, dropping to 8.2 million tons.

Turkmenistan stands out as a primary supplier that could bridge the natural gas deficit China is facing due to the conflict.

News Source: 12punto