INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chinese imports of Russian oil last month hit their highest level since Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, customs data showed
double the amount from February 2022.The figures reflect a broader deepening of economic ties between the countries, with overall trade in
May soaring to levels not seen since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.They also occur in the context of China's rebounding economy,
following the end of strict zero-Covid measures late last year that had bitten into energy demand.During a summit in March, Chinese leader
Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to boost trade to $200 billion in 2023 as they hailed their "no limits"
partnership.Russian energy deliveries to China this year are set to grow by 40%, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said last
month.Russia's gas exports plummeted in 2022 after a flurry of Western punishments over Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.Speaking
sanctions.As Europe looked for other energy suppliers, Moscow turned to alternative buyers including China, with which it is already linked
by the Power of Siberia pipeline.After his talks with Xi, Putin said that "all agreements have been reached" on the massive new Power of
Siberia 2 project.That pipeline could facilitate the transport of 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China annually, roughly on par
diplomatic contacts, with their strategic partnership growing closer since the invasion of Ukraine.Beijing says it is a neutral party in the
of the territory it has seized.During their March summit in Moscow, Xi invited Putin to visit Beijing and the two leaders declared that ties
were "entering a new era."And last month, the Chinese leader offered his "firm support" on Moscow's "core interests" at a meeting with
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, during the highest-level visit by a Russian official to China since the Ukraine invasion.
