China is looking to diversify the energy supply its millions of factories need. Russia wants to replace an inconvenient customer -Europe- that criticizes its invasion of Ukraine and refuses to pay for the gas it delivers in rubles.

At first glance, it would seem that both powers could come to an understanding and become major trading partners, especially at a time when both face a difficult relationship with the West.

Analysts say the biggest beneficiary would be Russia, which could partially circumvent the international sanctions imposed as a result of the war in Ukraine.

It would also manage to place part of the gas output it no longer sends to Europe, its largest customer.

European governments have spent the past few months seeking to reduce their energy dependence on the Kremlin, which until then supplied 40% of the gas used by the EU.

Source: BBC