Energy cooperation in Sino‐Russian relations: The importance of oil and gas

The Sino‐Soviet detente during the 1980s has opened the way for Sino‐Russian energy cooperation. Both sides are currently exploring the ways of promoting East Siberian oil and gas development. If Sino‐Russian cooperation for East Siberian oil and gas development is realized with Japan and South Korea's participation in the development, it will change the structure of energy relations in Northeast Asia. A fundamental change will be an appearance of multilateral oil and gas development cooperation in Northeast Asia. Focused on the issue of oil and gas development, this article examines the reality of Sino‐Russian energy cooperation and the implications of these relations.