"Sino-Russian energy cooperation will produce a win-win situation for both sides," said a Chinese scholar Tuesday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's impending visit is expected to speed up the cooperation.

The construction of a crude oil pipeline is one factor that "cannot be overlooked" in developing Sino-Russian trade ties since it "helps boost growth in relevant sectors," said Lu Nanquan, a research fellow who studies international relations of Russia in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"China is undoubtedly the largest and most stable market for Russian energy exports. The energy delivery routes to China are also the safest and fastest ones for Russia."

In a press conference in Beijing Sunday, Igor Rogachev, Russia's ambassador to Beijing, affirmed Russia's desire to cooperate with China, saying Russia would not only consider its interests in the Far East and Siberia, but also those of the Chinese people.

"Russia is willing to join hands with China to make efforts to improve bilateral ties and enhance coordination on major international issues," the ambassador said.

Still, stagnation in some ambitious energy cooperative projects waits to be solved.

For years, China has been discussing with Russia on building an oil pipeline from Russia's Angarsk to China's Daqing. Putin's coming visit from Thursday is expected to highlight the issue.

The Russian President, in a September meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Moscow, said Russia's decision to further energy cooperation with China remains unchanged, casting light over later energy talks with China.

"The construction of the Angarsk-Daqing pipeline is beneficial to both China and Russia as it is relatively short and has lower investment risks," said Li Fuchuan, a research fellow with the academy.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2004)