As Western tension mounts with both Russia and China, the two countries sign a
30-year contract for the eastward supply of gas.
China and Russia have agreed a massive gas delivery deal to last for three decades and valued at up to $400bn (£235bn).
The agreement was signed after last-minute negotiations during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Shanghai.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mr Putin witnessed the signing, according to a statement by China's state energy giant CNPC.
"This is another major milestone achievement in China-Russia energy strategic cooperation," it said, adding it was "facilitated and greatly supported personally by the leaders of China and Russia".
Moscow media cited Alexei Miller, the chief of Russia's energy giant Gazprom, as saying the gas deal was worth $400bn over its 30-year contract life.
Analysts IHS Energy said: "The final agreed price is believed to be closer to what Russia wanted than what China was initially prepared to pay.
"This higher price level reflects China’s willingness to pay more for cleaner fuel, consistent with its efforts on domestic gas price reform to accommodate rising supply costs."
Russia is the world's largest net energy exporter, with vast reserves, and China is the second largest net energy importer.
The two former Cold War companions also share a long land border, allowing deliveries to the world's most populous nation that avoid maritime choke points.
The deal comes amid increasing tension between the United States and China, along with souring relations between the Asian country and its neighbours over territorial disputes.
China and Russia are also currently holding week-long maritime exercises in the East China Sea.
US President Barack Obama previously announced a reconfiguration of American national interests from the Middle East towards the Asian region.
And on Monday, US officials indicted five Chinese military officers over alleged cyber espionage attacks on American companies.
The same day Mr Putin said "China is our reliable friend" and added that "to expand co-operation with China is undoubtedly Russia's diplomatic priority".
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