Russia and Kazakhstan are considering building a new natural-gas pipeline to China.
Kazakh Deputy Energy Minister Uzaqbai Qarabalin told journalists in Astana on August 27 that Moscow had given preliminary approval to Kazakhstan's proposal for the construction of a gas pipeline linking Russia to China via Kazakhstan.
Qarabalin said Kazakhstan was creating a working group to start planning the new pipeline's construction, adding that the project needs to be supported by Chinese partners as well.
During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Shanghai in May, Russia and China signed a 30-year gas-supply deal worth $400 billion.
Based on reporting by Kazinform and Interfax