Gas deal with Russia offers longer-term security

Pact will give China a stable energy source and a stronger hand in talks with other suppliers, reports Du Juan

China has signed a series of energy deals with Russia that will ensure secure supplies for the world's second-largest economy.

"This is a historic moment for these two giant economies, which have formed an alliance for energy cooperation that can maintain a regional balance and avoid intervention from the United States in Asia," said Han Xiaoping, chief information officer of China Energy Net Consulting Ltd.