On March 27, a briefing was held in Ashgabat by Ji Shumin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan. One of the key topics of the meeting was the results and prospects of cooperation between the two countries in the oil and gas sector, which has remained the foundation of bilateral relations for decades.
This year is a landmark for Ashgabat and Beijing, marking the 20th anniversary of large-scale gas cooperation. As Ji Shumin noted, over this period the energy sector has become the main pillar of China–Turkmenistan relations.
The figures confirm Turkmenistan’s status as a key supplier of energy resources. As of March 1, 2026, the volume of Turkmen natural gas exports to China reached 460 billion cubic meters. China has remained Turkmenistan’s largest trading partner and the main importer of Turkmen “blue fuel” for 14 consecutive years.
The diplomat emphasized that this cooperation is mutually beneficial. For China, it ensures energy security, while for Turkmenistan it provides stable budget revenues and creates thousands of jobs.
At the same time, the Ambassador noted that this position is shared by the Turkmen side. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has repeatedly stated that the strategic alliance in the gas sector not only serves the interests of both countries but is also an important factor in the development of the global economy.
The head of the diplomatic mission further stated that a new chapter in bilateral relations would be the implementation of the project to develop the fourth phase of the supergiant “Galkynysh” gas field.
The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) was announced as the winner of the relevant tender. An important step was the recent approval by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov of the contract between the State Concern “Turkmengaz” and CNPC.
“The implementation of this major project will further increase Turkmenistan’s gas production capacity, boost state budget revenues, and create new jobs for the population of Turkmenistan. I am confident that the energy dialogue between Ashgabat and Beijing will continue to develop along an upward trajectory, opening new horizons for the economic prosperity of the entire region,” concluded the diplomat.
