Russia and China Strengthen Their Energy Relationship

Chinese President Hu Jintao is visiting Russia and is expected to meet with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to sign a long-awaited oil deal. The deal, which was actually struck in 2003, has been the subject of disputes between Beijing and Moscow, largely over tariffs and prices. However, those disputes are expected to be settled, allowing the two Asian giants to strengthen their energy relationship. This will affect Europe, which currently depends on Russia for energy supplies, and could increase cooperation between Beijing and Moscow in other areas.