/ world today news/ For months, the expected focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s visit to China was the signing of a long-term contract for the supply of natural gas.
Discussions between Gazprom and the Chinese government have been going on for a decade, but they are finally coming to an end amid the deterioration of Russia’s relations with the West over Ukraine, writes The Financial Times.
According to Chinese and Russian sources, the two countries still have disagreements over gas prices. On Monday, before heading to China, Putin told Chinese national television that the gas talks were “almost finalized”. A source close to Gazprom said the contract could be signed without a final price agreement.
The Russian president, who is under pressure from the West over the annexation of Crimea, wants to demonstrate that his government is not isolated and has partners who will help him stand up to Europe and the United States, the British newspaper commented.
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